Camponotus vestitus is a striking ant species from Southern Africa, known for its compact colony size and unique appearance. With a reddish head and thorax and a dark anthracite gaster with a golden sheen, this species is both visually appealing and beginner-friendly—provided that the correct climate conditions are maintained. Though not as aggressive or fast-growing as some other Camponotus, their calm behavior and moderate size make them an excellent introduction to exotic African ants.
Camponotus vestitus
In nature, Camponotus vestitus thrives in open grasslands of Southern Africa, often nesting under stones or in sandy-loam soil. Colonies are monogynous, founded by a single queen, and tend to remain relatively small and inconspicuous in the wild.
They favor granitic or mineral-rich soils, and their nests are built directly into the ground. Although exact colony sizes are unknown, they are believed to be more modest in size compared to other Camponotus species. Activity levels are moderate, and their workers exhibit a classic caste structure with minor, media, and major workers ranging from 4–8 mm in size.
