intro

Identifying 尼古拉虫（Camponotus nicobarensis is relatively straightforward, thanks to their distinctive features. These workers can range in size from 8 to 12 millimeters long, displaying a shiny black or dark brown hue, sometimes with reddish undertones. Their body is notably hairy, and their robust, well-developed mandibles make them a hallmark of carpenter ants. A closer inspection reveals a segmented body with a narrow, one-segment petiole and long legs—traits that distinguish them from other ant species.

The long and segmented antennae enhance their ability to sense their surroundings, and like all members of the Formicinae subfamily, they can expel formic acid as a defense mechanism or offensive tactic. These ants are known for their aggressive nature, particularly when it comes to defending their colony and foraging for food. 尼古拉虫（Camponotus nicobarensis is one of the most widespread and successful species in Asia, capable of rapidly organizing to collect resources and fight off threats.

As we observe their habitats, it becomes evident that C. nicobarensis is a highly adaptable species, capable of surviving in various climates, as long as the environment provides ample vegetation and moisture.

Much like their carpenter ant relatives, C. nicobarensis is known for creating intricate nests within decaying wood, tree stumps, under bark, or even beneath stones. They prefer moist environments, which not only help maintain their nests but are also essential for the overall health of the colony. These ants tend to be nocturnal, active during the night and retreating into the safety of their nests during the day.

Much like their carpenter ant relatives, C. nicobarensis is known for creating intricate nests within decaying wood, tree stumps, under bark, or even beneath stones. They prefer moist environments, which not only help maintain their nests but are also essential for the overall health of the colony. These ants tend to be nocturnal, active during the night and retreating into the safety of their nests during the day.

尼古拉虫（Camponotus nicobarensis, like many carpenter ants, is an omnivorous species. They consume carbohydrates from fruit and nectar, which they share through trophallaxis—an exchange of food between ants. This sharing strengthens colony bonds and ensures every worker has the energy they need to perform its tasks.

In a controlled experiment, we presented C. nicobarensis with the larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. The ants observed the larvae several times, but instead of attacking immediately, they hesitated. After a few encounters, they attempted to kill the larva. However, their efforts proved insufficient, and the larva managed to escape by burrowing underground. This behavior suggests that C. nicobarensis is not particularly adapted for active predation, instead preferring opportunistic feeding on easier or stationary prey.

Interestingly, the largest workers are not necessarily soldiers, a characteristic common in other species like Atta (picture below). C. nicobarensis workers, regardless of size, tend to be more active during the night, although they can be observed foraging in daylight as well.

The colonies of C. nicobarensis are typically monogyne, meaning they have a single queen. However, in some cases, multiple queens may coexist within a colony, a phenomenon known as polygyne. In these rare cases, the queens are in competition with each other, with some living in satellite nests far from the original nest. This system is called oligogyny. There are several potential outcomes for such a setup: satellite nests may eventually become fully independent, a new queen may leave the original nest with workers to establish her own colony, or the two queens may engage in a violent battle until only one remains.

While the queen of C. nicobarensis can live for an impressive 10 to 20 years under ideal conditions, worker ants typically have shorter lifespans, ranging from a few months to a couple of years. The queen’s extended lifespan ensures the colony’s continuity, while workers serve a variety of roles, from foraging to defending the nest.

尼古拉虫（Camponotus nicobarensis follows the classic ant reproduction cycle, which includes a nuptial flight. This occurs during spring or summer, when winged males and new queens leave the colony to mate. After mating, the queen detaches her wings and begins her search for a suitable nesting site, often beneath decaying wood or tree bark. Once settled, she lays her eggs, which eventually develop into larvae, pupae, and mature ants. In optimal conditions, the development process takes around a month.

In the world of 尼古拉虫（Camponotus nicobarensis, each day brings new challenges and mysteries. From their impressive nesting behavior to their dynamic social structure, these ants provide an endless source of fascination for entomologists and nature lovers alike. So, the next time you spot an ant scurrying along, remember—there’s a whole world of complex behaviors just beneath the surface.