Camponotus pilicornis is a striking Mediterranean species from Spain, distinguished by warm honey-gold coloration and conspicuous pale body hairs. It offers ant keepers an opportunity to observe a large carpenter ant with pronounced size differences within the colony, an unusual body texture, and a seasonal activity cycle.

Color and structure

The coloration of Camponotus pilicornis ranges from translucent honey and yellowish brown to gold. Numerous pale hairs cover the head, thorax, and abdomen. Under directed arena lighting, this coat becomes particularly visible and gives the ants their characteristic velvety appearance.

The queen reaches 14–16 mm, while large soldiers can measure up to 14 mm. Their size makes movement, feeding, and colony development easy to examine on the arena and through transparent nest walls.

Natural setting

In the wild, this species occurs in warm, relatively dry parts of Spain, including sun-heated steppe and woodland habitats. Colonies may establish nests beneath stones. These conditions point to moderate hydration with access to a drier nest section rather than uniform moisture throughout every chamber.

A captive colony should be able to choose between distinct microclimates. The more humid section can accommodate brood, while a dry area gives the ants space for cocoons and somewhere to move when conditions change. The entire formicarium does not need to remain constantly wet.

Nest design

A partly gypsum formicarium can be used for Camponotus pilicornis, combining a plastic area with a hydrated gypsum block. A suitable configuration combines PETG and G23 gypsum, creating a dry surface alongside a separate moisture-retaining zone.

A fully gypsum nest is another option when water delivery can be controlled and excessive dampness avoided. Chamber dimensions should reflect the size of the queen and soldiers: the nest needs sufficient height and room for individuals measuring up to 16 mm.

Before introducing the colony, check for:

• separate dry and hydrated sections;
• clear access for inspecting the gypsum block;
• chambers tall enough for the queen;
• secure connections between the nest and arena;
• an absence of persistent condensation or visible mold.

Sponge-based hydration requires close monitoring. A sponge may dry out, while excess water and contamination can encourage fungal growth. Whatever hydration material is selected, it does not replace routine checks of moisture levels and cleanliness.

Temperature and season

Maintain an active-season temperature range of 24–28°C. If heating is used, the installation should retain a cooler area to which the colony can move. Temperature therefore needs to be checked away from the heat source as well as beside it.

A mild winter diapause is specified from November through February. The stated range is 10–15°C for approximately three months. Cooling and the return to active conditions should be gradual, with the queen, workers, and brood observed throughout each transition.

Feeding

Honey or sugar syrup provides carbohydrates. Animal protein supports brood development and the growth of large colony members; marble cockroaches and crickets are the feeder insects named for this species.

A practical menu contains:

• a fresh serving of sugar or honey syrup;
• feeder insects as an animal-protein source;
• routine removal of uneaten material from the arena.

Portion size should follow colony population and actual consumption. Perishable remains should not be left for long, especially in warm or humid parts of the setup.

Questions and answers

Why is this species called hairy?

The name refers to the pale hairs distributed over the head, thorax, and abdomen. Light catches them against the honey-brown body, producing the distinctive velvety effect.

What kind of formicarium is suitable?

Choose a nest with controlled, moderate hydration and a clear transition from humid to dry space. The described setup combines PETG with G23 gypsum for this purpose. A fully gypsum design may also be used when water is supplied carefully.

Does Camponotus pilicornis require diapause?

The care information specifies a mild seasonal rest at 10–15°C for about three months. This follows the seasonal cycle associated with the Spanish population; both cooling and subsequent warming should be performed progressively.