This Camponotus species is called 'US CA 02' and thus has a rather unusual name. Nevertheless, this species is of particular interest not only because of its name, but also because of its size and appearance.
species concept
own attitude
Personally, I keep five queens of this species for community work and my own interest in the different development processes. Camponotus US CA 02 is a North American ant species. For us ant keepers, this means that hibernation is not optional, but necessary - and even endogenously controlled.
Size information:
Queen: ~ 20 to 22 mm
Workers: ~6 to 18 mm
Males: ~12 to 14 mm
Look:
Matt black ants, with visible bristles (hair) and a striking chestnut-reddish brown gaster. The workers are much more colorful than the queen. Very beautiful nuances that blend into one another.
Shape and behavior:
Very strong overall body structure, very agile Camponotus species - can see well. Can quickly cut up food insects with targeted bites. Defensive - but usually defensive.
Current state of knowledge:
This species lays around 10-30 eggs during the founding phase, from which larvae develop. It is not unusual for only a few larvae to mature into cocoon pupae. From these, the first workers (pygmies) develop.
By swarming early, it is possible to raise two batches of workers in the first year of keeping.
With appropriate management, the target population should be between 15 and 50 workers.
Due to a hibernation (American hibernation, North America), further development through a purely endogenous rhythm is only possible in the following year (keeping year 2). It is currently unclear how many workers are possible within keeping year 2. Experience has shown that there are probably between 50 and 250 individuals.
Interim report: ➥ Date: 07.05.2024Day 01
Description:
At the beginning of every keeping, it is a good idea to carry out regular checks. Even though claustral founding queens should be as undisturbed as possible and need peace and quiet, it is possible to check on them at dusk without any further problems.
After my first inspection, I was able to detect between 5 and 10 eggs.
Since the queens are numbered, I will pass on the status.
| C. us ca 02 | breeding ground |
|---|---|
| Queen 01 | 10 Owner |
| Queen 02 | 8 Owner |
| Queen 03 | 5 Owner |
| Queen 04 | 7 Owner |
| Queen 05 | 7 Owner |
Interim report: ➥ Date: 14.05.2024Day 7
It doesn't take as long as you think.
Interim report: ➥ Date: 26.05.2024Day 19
And then, after about 2 weeks, the time had finally come: the first pupae could be admired. Now another 2 weeks and the first workers should see the light of day.
Interim report: ➥ Date: 26.06.2024Day 50
My ants are developing splendidly. One queen in particular stands out. With 5 workers - soon there will be 9 - the fun begins. In addition to different color nuances, this species is interested and not at all shy. It actively approaches dead insects and begins to dissect them.
The nutrient solution was once again well received - you can also purchase this nutrient solution in my web shop [self-promotion]. In addition, the feed insect mentioned above, here in the form of a fly maggot, which had previously been boiled and cut in half, was immediately accepted. After a while, the nutrient solution was then distributed to the colleagues.
Afterwards they cleaned themselves thoroughly. It seems to have gone down well. In the hope of even more eggs, the documentation ends today. We'll see you again in 1-2 weeks. Most likely with a new nest for this colony.
Interim report: ➥ Date: 12.07.2024Day 66
I love this species - it's actually just an American version of Camponotus ligniperda...maybe that's why? (Team/Camponotus)So today I would like to introduce you to the 5 ladies and their entourage once againQueen 01 - with 5 workers, 4 pupae (fresh), some new eggs and a few larvae (L1-L3)
Queen 02 - with 7 workers, some brood is the favorite. It's nice to see the ants doing well. A new nest is needed. More on that in the next post. I'm currently making a batch of nests for some ant species.
Queen 03 - with 6 workers, 3 pupae, some eggs and larvae. The gyne is falling in a little at the back. Time for proteins and sugar water.
Queen 04 - with 7 workers (one is not in the picture). Good development, solid brood pattern. This is something to work with. A nest is now also necessary here.
Queen 05 - with 6 workers, 2 pupae, a few eggs, a few larvae. I'll feed her a little more straight away - let's see if anything happens. Stagnation must not occur.
