Lat. Name:

Camponotus sansabeanus

Trivial Name:

-

Taxonomy:

Subfamily: Formicinae (Scaled ants) Tribus: Camponotini

Posture Class:

(2) places higher demands on climate and outbreak protection

Dissemination:

North America (south of the USA and north of Mexico)

Habitat:

Deserts/steppes, dry forest areas

Colony form:

monogynous

Queen:

Size: 16 - 18mm Color: black head, strong thorax, body orange-brown to black

Worker:

Size: 7 - 17mm Color: small workers light yellow, otherwise yellow to black colored, usually darker head and lighter body and legs. polymorphic

Soldiers:

Not available

Male:

Size: - Color: -

Food:

Honey water and insects e.g. pair-winged flies, mosquitoes, jellies

Humidity:

Arena: 30 - 60% Nest area: 30 - 60%

Temperature:

Arena: 21 - 30°C Nest area: 24- 28°C

Hibernation:

no

Nest shape:

Earth nests, under stones, sometimes in dead (wood)

Formicarium species:

L-XL Digfix Ant Farm, Ytong/ Plaster Nest, Desert L Starter Set, Cork Nest

Formicarium size:

Size: L - XL

Substrate:

Farm: Digfix, cork, gypsum, sand-loam Arena: sand, sand-loam

Planting:

Desert-like

Decoration:

Branches, roots, stones

Description:

Camponotus sansabeanus is one of the largest Camponotus species distributed in the USA. Because of its distribution in desert regions and the prevailing heat, it usually builds its nests relatively deep in the ground and is mostly active in the evening/night. It is easy to keep except for the slightly elevated temperature required and develops quickly compared to other Camponotus species.

Development:

Swarm flight: -

Foundation: occurs claustral (without feeding)

Colony size: several 1000 individuals

Offers quantity:

a mated queen and workers (see selection); brood (varies according to season and development)

Web links:

- Forum

- Source reference