Camponotus parius is a common black Camponotus species found throughout the country, though in heavily forested areas they are rarely found. This ant has a slight golden sheen. The species is dimorphic with a minor and major worker caste. Nanitic expression among the regular sizes expressions of both castes are also common in less wooded areas possibly due to irregular food supplies.
This is one species of the Camponotus genus that forages for food during most part of the day. In medium to large Camponotus species the bulk of the foraging is typically carried out at night. Day time foraging is commonly restricted to mostly minor workers individually but in the occasional group foraging there may be one or more major workers accompanying.
A minor worker of Camponotus parius
Minor and major workers of Camponotus parius
A major worker of Camponotus parius
Major worker of Camponotus parius
Camponotus parius queen
The dealated gyne of Camponotus parius starting her colony
Taking care of her brood
The first batch of eggs, larvae and pupae of Camponotus parius
The first two workers eclosed
Camponotus queen with her first brood of workers tending eggs, larvae and pupae
First major worker after the third month
The growing brood
The female alate of Camponotus parius.
Group foraging
See also:
Camponotus sp(8) (C. maculatus, C. variegatus or related)
Last Updated: 2019 04 17
First Posted: 2010 05 18
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