16 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

I found this queen crawling on my tent while I was camping.

 

She looks very similar to Camponotus subbarbatus, except the coloration on the abdomen is off. On C. subbarbatus, the abdomen is striped gold and black, but on her, it's gold on the first two abdominal segments are gold and the rest are black. However, C. subbarbatus is the only species around this part of the U.S. that looks anything like her.

 

She currently has one egg. I hope she lays more soon. Here are some photos of her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by Mettcollsuss, June 13 2018 - 4:25 PM.

[rbarreto]

Could it be a color variation of Camponotus chromaiodes?

Edited by rbarreto, May 31 2018 - 5:21 AM.

[FeedTheAnts]

Could it be a color variation of Camponotus chromaiodes?

No, it doesn't have the shape of a chromaiodes queen. Camponotus chromaiodes is also much larger.

[Mdrogun]

This is neither Camponotus subbarbatus or Camponotus chromaiodes. This is Camponotus caryae, I have one myself.

[Mettcollsuss]

6-6-18

She now has 5 eggs. They are yellowish and slightly elongated.

[TennesseeAnts]

YES! A new Camponotus journal!

Edited by Ant_Dude2908, June 6 2018 - 5:22 PM.

[Mettcollsuss]

6-9-18

seven eggs now.

Edited by Mettcollsuss, June 9 2018 - 9:25 AM.

[YsTheAnt]

Glad to hear she has more eggs. I think you meant June, not may in the date of your last update?

[Mettcollsuss]

Glad to hear she has more eggs. I think you meant June, not may in the date of your last update?

oops.

 

Fixed!

[Mdrogun]

My Camponotus caryae has yet to lay any eggs  . I caught her shortly before you caught yours. I'm thinking she's infertile.

[Mettcollsuss]

6-13-18

She now has 8 eggs and a 2nd instar larvae.

[AntsAreUs]

I also have a queen that looks very similar. The only thing different is there is less yellowish color and mostly on the underside of her gaster instead.

[Mettcollsuss]

6-20-18

Her brood is developing much faster than I expected Camponotus brood to be. She already has 2 pupae. Hoping workers arrive soon.

[TennesseeAnts]

Wow.... That is fast for Camponotus! Well, I guess since these are myrmentoma, their brood should develop quicker than most Camponotus spp.

[Mettcollsuss]

7-6-18

She now has two nanitics. They're larger than expected. Eating very well and are very active.

[Mettcollsuss]

8-28-18

Just came out of reverse hibernation. small but healthy brood pile. Workers are very plump, but the queen's gaster is really skinny.

[Mettcollsuss]

Queen dead