Camponotus planatusSpecies Introduction
Claustral. Camponotus planatus, unlike most Camponotus, are polygynous and will readily found with one or more queens. These ants are also thought to be super-colonial, readily merging colonies within the same populations.
Invasive to the southeastern US. Nests are typically found in small sticks, branches, and within the cavities of buildings. These ants are extremely heat-loving, and workers can be found darting around under the midday sun. Camponotus planatus are thought to be the smallest Camponotus species found in the US, at a glance, you could mistake them as an entirely different genus. Workers of this species can commonly be found consuming nectar from various plant's extrafloral nectaries!
These arboreal, polygynous Camponotus are surprisingly hardy in captivity, and will make-do with a lot of conditions. They will readily hunt, and swarm prey items, and have a big appetite for liquid carbohydrates. Colonies can get quite large, especially with a large number of queens. These ants benefit greatly with a heated outworld, we have noticed a significant increase in foraging activity when providing our C. planatus colonies with a heated foraging area. Camponotus planatus are one of the most unique Camponotus species available to ant-keepers. Keep them warm, and well fed, and they will be able to rapidly grow into a remarkable colony.
Formicarium
Twig-style or thin horizontal nests work well and replicates conditions in their wild nests. The TJL Arboreal Nest is a great choice for Camponotus planatus. Keep a water feeder in the outworld at all times. These ants have been found to have increased foraging activity when provided with a heated outworld.
Water & Humidity
Dry and warm. Camponotus planatus nest in small sticks and cavities relatively devoid of moisture and get extremely hot in the mid-day sun.
Do not found or keep colonies in test tubes using TrapJaw Lab's PVA sponges. The high humidity is not good for them, they want it dry.
These ants do best with a liquid feeder stocked with water in the foraging area. In the wild, they get most of their water by consuming the morning dew, and are adapted for having regular access to water despite keeping a dry nest.
Carbohydrates
Ample access to carbohydrates (sugars) is extremely important for C. planatus.
We suggest using our honeydew honey, which best replicates the micronutrient profile of their carbohydrate sources in the wild.
We also suggest having a liquid feeder in the foraging area that you keep stocked 24/7 with water, and a sugar-water feeder is also acceptable.
Protein
C. planatus do not need a lot of protein because of their Blochmannia gut-bacteria, but it is still required. Offer a small quantity of soft-bodied, pre-killed insects (fruit flies, etc.) once a week depending on how your colony reacts. Increase feedings if they accept more.
TrapJaw Labs feeds our C. planatus colonies with pre-killed Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies.
Once per week
Maintenance
Weeks 1-3: Dry, dark, hot, undisturbed.
Weeks 4–6: First workers ('nanitics') appear. Put out a stocked sugar feeder; offer a small protein item (one fruit fly) about once a week. Population will climb slowly.
Months 2+: First majors start to appear. Maintain heat and dry nest.
Diapause is not required for this tropical species.
Care Summary
- DRY nest
- Liquid feeder with WATER in outworld (their drinking source)
- Separate sugar feeder with honeydew honey 24/7
- Hot gradient 80–95°F
- Soft-bodied protein