11 replies to this topic

[Alza]

can't really find an internet source SO, i want you guys to tell me about this species, and how to care for camponotus in general. starting because I've heard they don't like houses, and if i let them have a nuptial flight outside my house they won't be sleeping with me  

[Alza]

also camponotus vicinus, still wondering about them 

[dspdrew]

Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp. is not a specific species, but a subgenus.

[Alza]

sub genus of -

[Gregory2455]

Subgenus of the genus Camponotus.

[Alza]

i don't get it 

[dspdrew]

What exactly do you not get?

[Gregory2455]

Inside the genus of Camponotus, there are classifications called subgenuses, into which species are placed. Actually I am not sure, on the Antweb Pogonomyrmex page, I see barbatus group, californicus group, are those "groups" subgenuses?

[dspdrew]

I have wondered the same thing; It always seems to be that way.

[Alza]

so its just Camponotus SP

[Crystals]

There are several Camponotus journals on this site, and many other sites.  Just search "Camponotus Journal", they have lots of small details such as times for egg to larvae to pupae to worker (it can really depend on the exact species and temperature).

http://forum.formicu...h&fromMainBar=1

 

I even have a Camponotus journal kicking around somewhere. 

 

Care is pretty easy.  Sugar water or hummingbird nectar, any kind of insect seems to be accepted.

Many Camponotus in California nest in dirt.  In Canada, the 2 most common Camponotus species are wood dwellers.

 

Camponotus are one of the larger species you can find, they are also one of the slowest when it comes to colony growth.

 

I have kept my colony in grout and firebrick formicariums.  They did well in both, but seemed to favor the grout one, probably due to higher humidity.  Ytong would also work.  Not wood, as it can mold, warp, and be chewed through.

[dspdrew]

so its just Camponotus SP

Yes, but Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp. is more specific. For instance, that would not include C. laevigatus, C. clarithorax, C. yogi, etc.. Those all happen to be from three different subgenera other than Tanaemyrmex. The reason I use the phrase Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp. (and I'm pretty sure this is why you're asking), is because it's the closest I can get to IDing them. I'm quite positive the species I'm calling Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) sp. is one of four species: C. ocreatus, C. sansabeanus, C. semitestaceus, or C. vicinus.