Camponotus latangulus

Description

Camponotus latangulus – a rare Camponotus species from South America

Camponotus latangulus is a species of ant native to the Neotropical regions of South America. It is found, amongst other places, in Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Trinidad. In the wild, these ants have been found in places such as dead branches; therefore, when keeping them in captivity, it is advisable to provide them with a quiet, slightly damp nest and good ventilation.

It is not as popular a species as Camponotus nicobarensis or Messor barbarus, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing. Camponotus latangulus is ideal for keepers who want something a little less obvious in their formicarium, yet which is still a pleasure to observe and not too difficult to look after.

What makes Camponotus latangulus stand out?

• Tropical origin – this species does not require overwintering, so the colony can be observed all year round.
• An interesting nesting behaviour – in the wild, they have been found in dead branches, which is why they thrive in cork or wooden nests and in quiet, shaded formicaria.
• A rare species – this is an option for those who don’t want yet another highly popular colony, but something more of a collector’s item.
• More gradual growth – the colony should not grow as rapidly as some fast-growing, tropical Camponotus species, which makes it easier to manage space within the nest.
• Attractive colour scheme – the yellowish-rust and brown hues mean that the ants look good on a light background and in natural displays.

Breeding Camponotus latangulus

Camponotus latangulus are best kept in stable, warm conditions. A temperature of around 24–28 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity are ideal. The nest should not be waterlogged, but the colony must have constant access to water.

At the initial stage, it is best to leave the ants in the test tube for as long as they are comfortable there. A nest that is too large to begin with can lead to mess, stress and problems with keeping it clean. Only once the colony has grown should you attach a small arena and then gradually increase the space.

Feeding Camponotus latangulus

The diet is based on protein-rich foods and sugars. It is a good idea to feed the colony small insects, such as mealworms, flies, cockroaches or crickets of a suitable size. Honey, ant nectar or a small amount of water mixed with honey also work well.

The most important thing is not to leave food scraps in the enclosure for too long. With tropical species, cleanliness is very important, especially if you maintain higher humidity levels.

Who is it for?

Camponotus latangulus is a good choice for beginners who already know the basics of feeding ants and maintaining humidity, or for keepers looking for a calmer, less popular Camponotus species. It does not require overwintering, nor does it need a complicated formicarium, but it thrives best when provided with warmth, peace and quiet, and a suitable amount of space.

This species is ideal for those who enjoy observing the natural behaviour of ants and wish to introduce something a little more unusual into their ant collection than the most commonly chosen starter species.