4 replies to this topic

[Ilija Mitrevski]

What are the differences between Camponotus ligniperdus and Camponotus herculeanus? They look very similar to me and since I have a queen that was IDed as Camponotus ligniperdus I wanted to know. 

[CNewton]

According to AntWiki, C. ligniperda has a shiny gaster and brighter colour as well as being located more southern than C. herculeanus. Being your location says Macedonia, you likely have C. ligniperda.

[Jonathan21700]

C. ligniperda has a redish first segment of the gaster while C. herculeanus has a mostly dark gaster. 

Also as said above C. herculeanus is more of a northern species and in Southern Europe it is found only at higher altitudes.

 

Edited by Jonathan21700, July 30 2017 - 1:38 PM.

[Ilija Mitrevski]

C. ligniperda has a redish first segment of the gaster while C. herculeanus has a mostly dark gaster. 

Also as said above C. herculeanus is more of a northern species and in Southern Europe it is found only at higher altitudes.

 

Thanks, this helps a lot. Follow up question: On the picture C. Ligniperda looks larger, is this something that always happens or just in these pictures? 

Thanks.

[Jonathan21700]

Yes, I noticed that too it seems strange. Usually C. herculeanus is said to be the bigger species. I suppose it's just a smaller than usual sized queen on the picture.