Camponotus subbarbatus (The Bearded Carpenter Ant)

Camponotus subbarbatus is a beautiful and distinctively marked member of the North American carpenter ant fauna. Often overshadowed by the larger, more common carpenter ants, this species is a specialist of the deciduous forest floor and the lower canopy. Its common name, the "Bearded Carpenter Ant," comes from the presence of several fine, long hairs located on the underside of its head—a subtle but important diagnostic feature. With its striking bi-coloration and interesting nesting habits, Camponotus subbarbatus is a rewarding species for any ant keeper who appreciates the intricate details and varied life strategies of the genus Camponotus.

Natural History and Identification

Camponotus subbarbatus is a medium-to-small carpenter ant, with workers typically ranging from 5.0mm to 8.5mm in length. Like all members of the genus, it is polymorphic, featuring minor, media, and major worker castes. Its coloration is one of its most appealing features: the head and gaster are typically a dark brownish-black or black, while the thorax (mesosoma) is a contrasting reddish-brown or yellowish-orange. This "sandwich" of colors gives it a very different look from the uniform black of many other northern species.

The queens are robust and measure between 9mm and 11mm, sharing the same striking bi-coloration as the workers. The "beard" of hairs under the head, while most visible in the major workers, is a key characteristic of the species group. Another identifying feature is the relatively smooth and shiny surface of the gaster, which lacks the dense, velvety hair found on species like Camponotus pennsylvanicus. The major workers have noticeably enlarged heads and powerful mandibles, which they use for defense and for breaking down food items.

Distribution and Native Habitat

This species is native to eastern and central North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada down through the eastern United States and west into the Great Lakes region. They are primarily forest dwellers, preferring deciduous woodlands with plenty of oak, hickory, and maple. They are often found in the leaf litter and on the lower trunks of trees, where they are well-camouflaged against the dappled light and shadows of the forest floor.

Unlike some carpenter ants that nest deep inside sound wood, Camponotus subbarbatus is more of an "opportunistic" nester. They are frequently found in small pieces of decaying wood on the ground, under the bark of dead trees, or in the hollow stems of herbaceous plants. They are also known to nest in the abandoned galleries of other wood-boring insects. This flexibility in nesting sites allows them to thrive in diverse woodland environments.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Camponotus subbarbatus is a generalist omnivore and a highly active forager. While they are primarily nocturnal, they are often seen active during the day, especially in the shaded parts of the forest. They are significant consumers of honeydew and will make frequent trips to visit aphid colonies on shrubs and low-hanging branches. They are also efficient scavengers and predators of small invertebrates, providing an important service in the woodland food web.

In captivity, they are active and interesting to feed. They will enthusiastically accept a variety of proteins, including fruit flies, small crickets, and mealworm segments. They are also very fond of liquid sugars, and a constant supply of honey-water or sugar-water is essential. Because they are adapted to the forest floor and lower canopy, they are excellent climbers and will explore every corner of an outworld. They are generally peaceful but will defend their nest entrance with great persistence if directly threatened.

Colony Lifecycle and Social Structure

The lifecycle of Camponotus subbarbatus begins with the nuptial flights, which typically take place in the spring or early summer (May to June) on warm, humid afternoons. The queens are fully claustral founders, meaning they can start a colony on their own in a small wooden cavity or a test tube. Once the first generation of workers (nanitics) arrives, the colony begins to grow at a moderate pace, eventually reaching a size of several hundred to a few thousand workers.

Their social structure is monogynous (having one queen). One of the most interesting aspects of Camponotus subbarbatus is their social behavior. They are known for being relatively "docile" compared to some of the larger, more aggressive carpenter ants. This makes them a great choice for keepers who want to observe the complex interactions between different worker castes without the high levels of aggression often seen in other species.

Ant Keeping: Care and Housing

Camponotus subbarbatus is a perfect species for both beginner and intermediate ant keepers. They are exceptionally hardy and adaptable, making them very forgiving of minor mistakes in care. They prefer temperatures between 22°C and 26°C during their active season. While they are more tolerant of lower humidity than subterranean species, they still require a consistent water source and a localized area of higher humidity within the nest for the development of the eggs and larvae.

Hibernation is a requirement for this temperate species, with a 3-4 month period at temperatures between 5°C and 10°C. One of the highlights of keeping Camponotus subbarbatus is their striking appearance. Their bi-coloration makes them very easy to see in the nest, and the presence of different worker castes provides endless opportunities for observation. They are curious and engaging ants that will quickly become a favorite in any collection.

Recommended Setup

For a founding queen or a small colony, the All-in-One setup is an excellent choice, as it provides a secure and humid environment that mimics the small wooden cavities they naturally use. For larger, established colonies, the Paris formicarium is highly recommended. The Paris nest's structured chambers are perfect for accommodating the various worker castes and the queen, and its excellent visibility ensures you won't miss any of the fascinating social behaviors that define this species. The Large Habitat Kit can also be used for a more naturalistic setup, allowing you to add branches and bark to create a vertical foraging environment that mimics their native forest home.

Fun Facts and Advanced Observations

• The "Bearded" Look: While the "beard" is difficult to see without a magnifying glass, it is a fascinating example of the specialized anatomical features that myrmecologists use to distinguish different ant species.
• Colorful Residents: Their bi-coloration is thought to provide a form of disruptive camouflage, helping them blend into the variegated patterns of the forest floor and tree bark.
• Forest Floor Specialists: In the wild, you will often find them nesting in a piece of wood no larger than a pencil, showing how efficient they are at utilizing small, available spaces.
• Quiet Neighbors: Unlike some other ants, Camponotus subbarbatus is known for being relatively quiet and non-disruptive in the wild, often living in close proximity to other species without engaging in constant conflict.