Giant Honey Ant Camponotus irritans

Giant Honey Ant Camponotus irritans

The nest of this species is commonly found on calcareous soils in sandy biotopes and also in stony and rocky areas. Workers were observed dropping excavated soil, in the form of wet pellets, outside the nest entrance. During rain-storms the mouth of the nest is plugged. If the water level rises to the mouth of the nest another opening is made at a higher-level nearby. Colonies may also move to a nearby higher area. Colonies are usually solitary but at favorable sites three or more nest colonies were observed three meters apart. The opening of the nests measured about 0.5cm x 4.0cm. Eggs and larvae were observed pre-monsoon season. i.e. late June.

 

Systematic position  

  • Kingdom : Animalia
  • Phylum : Arthropoda
  • Class : Insecta
  • Order : Hymenoptera
  • Family : Formicidae
  • Subfamily : Formicinae
  • Tribe : Camponotini
  • Genus : Camponotus
  • Species : irritans

 

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