Camponotus aethiops is a medium-large carpenter ant species native to southern and central Europe, extending into parts of north-west Africa and western Asia. This species is valued in the ant-keeping hobby for its striking black coloration, calm behaviour, and resilient nature. It belongs to the genus Camponotus, a group known for large, polymorphic workers and well-structured colonies.
Camponotus aethiops
In the wild, C. aethiops inhabits xerothermic (warm, dry) grasslands and shrublands, particularly in Mediterranean climates. It builds nests primarily in soil, often under stones or in warm open areas, and can be found foraging on vegetation along roads and in forests. These ants are monogynous, each colony has a single queen, and colonies can grow to consist of several thousand workers under optimal conditions. The species is polymorphic, meaning workers vary significantly in size from small minors to large majors with powerful mandibles.
