How big is Camponotus pilicornis?

Queen: 14-16 — Workers: 6-13.

How long does a Camponotus pilicornis queen live?

A Camponotus pilicornis queen lives approximately 15-20.

How does Camponotus pilicornis found a colony?

Foundation type: Claustral — Polygynous: No.

What temperature and humidity does Camponotus pilicornis require?

Temperature: 22-28 — Humidity: 50-60.

Is Camponotus pilicornis suitable for beginners?

Difficulty level: 3/5 (intermediate).

Camponotus pilicornis

Scientific name

Origin

Iberian Peninsula, southern France

Natural climate

Temperate Mediterranean

Queen size

14-16

Worker size

6-13

Queen lifespan

15-20

Founding

Claustral

Polygynous

Diet

Insects, sugar, honeydew

Hibernation

Yes (Oct-Mar)

Humidity

50-60

Temperature

22-28

Max colony size

3,000-6,000

Difficulty

The hairy carpenter ant

Camponotus pilicornis is an Iberian carpenter ant often confused with C. cruentatus. Its quirk: a denser coat of hairs, especially visible on the scape (the first antenna segment) — hence its name “pilicornis” (hairy horn).

Hardy and brown-black, of medium polymorphism, it lives under stones and in the dead trunks of open Mediterranean forests. Classic Camponotus behaviour: opportunistic, not very aggressive, slow growth.

A fine alternative to C. cruentatus

If you find C. cruentatus too common or hard to obtain, C. pilicornis is an excellent substitute. Similar keeping requirements, comparable hardiness, but a species less widespread in amateur collections — rarer and more original.

Keeping

Nuptial flights in May-June. Claustral founding, first workers in 8-10 weeks. Moderate growth in the 1st year, then steady. A mild hibernation (3-4 months at 8-12°C). Compatible with a cool-cellar climate in winter.

Classic feeding: honeydew, insects (fruit flies, small crickets), occasionally cut fruit. A plaster or Ytong nest with graduated humidity. A medium-sized outworld is enough.

Tricky identification

C. pilicornis, C. cruentatus, C. piceus, C. lateralis… the Iberian Camponotus look very similar. Verify the identification with a specialist guide (Lebas, Galkowski) or a myrmecology forum. The scape’s hairiness is a good criterion for C. pilicornis.

Conditions

Temperate Mediterranean, 22-28°C, humidity 50-60%. A 3-4 month winter diapause at 8-12°C. A plaster or Ytong nest recommended. A hardy, undemanding species that forgives beginner mistakes. An excellent compromise between rarity and ease.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Camponotus pilicornis?: Queen: 14-16 — Workers: 6-13.
How long does a Camponotus pilicornis queen live?: A Camponotus pilicornis queen lives approximately 15-20.
How does Camponotus pilicornis found a colony?: Foundation type: Claustral — Polygynous: No.
What does Camponotus pilicornis eat?: Diet: Insects, sugar, honeydew.
Does Camponotus pilicornis need a diapause (hibernation)?: Diapause: Yes (Oct-Mar).
What temperature and humidity does Camponotus pilicornis require?: Temperature: 22-28 — Humidity: 50-60.
How large does a Camponotus pilicornis colony grow?: Colony size: 3,000-6,000.
Is Camponotus pilicornis suitable for beginners?: Difficulty level: 3/5 (intermediate).