Camponotus maculatus subnudus: Why This Species Needs Its Own Name

A species with a weird name

A beautiful species with a really weird name. It is called Camponotus maculatus subnudus. Not to be confused with Camponotus maculatus, a species from Africa. That is pretty strange, since the two come from totally different continents but share the same name. Let's look into why that is.

What does subnudus mean?

Nudus is Latin for unclothed, nude or naked, according to Wiktionary. In scientific names, "sub" usually means "almost" or "somewhat", not "under". So subnudus means something like "almost naked". The explanation you often hear is that it refers to the pupae of this species, which would be naked, without a cocoon. It may just as well refer to the ants having little body hair. Either way, the name says nothing about being "below" Camponotus maculatus.

So why are they called Camponotus maculatus?

Sadly there is hardly any information on this species. According to one source, it was once mistaken for Camponotus maculatus and identified wrongly. That name stuck, with "subnudus" added behind it. So really, this ant deserves a new name of its own.

Is this a cool species?

Absolutely! This species is very interesting. The queens are quite large and have a funny triangular head. The workers have long, spider-like legs and beautiful colours. They are active and fun to watch, and like other Camponotus they love sugar.

Keeping Camponotus maculatus subnudus

Like most Camponotus, this species is not hard to keep. A few pointers:

• Start the queen in a test tube and leave her alone in a dark, quiet place until the first workers appear.

• Give sugar water or honey water regularly, and small insects when there is brood.

• Keep part of the nest moist and part drier, so the ants can choose the spot they like best for their brood.

• Most Camponotus like it warm. Heat one side of the setup gently if your room is on the cool side.

• Move to a bigger nest only when the current one starts to feel full.

Want to learn more about Camponotus and their subgroups? Read our personal guide to the subgenera of Camponotus. You can find Camponotus maculatus subnudus in our shop, also as a complete Camponotus maculatus subnudus set.