Camponotus Compressus Research Articles

Notes on the Biology and Habits of the Black Ant, Camponolus (Tanaemyrmex) compressus (Latrcille).

The large black ant Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) compressus (L) is: a familiar insect all over India and has been known to be of considerable economic importance because of its habit of attending on several Homopterous insects. Acccounts of its habits have been given by Wroughton (1892), Rothney (1895), Dutt (1912), Mukerji (1930, 1934), Negi et al (1930) and others and the seasonal incidence and other characteristics by Krishna Ayyar (1935, 1937). Still its life history and its behaviour towards its herds are not fully known. The present account gives further information on the insect as observed in Coimbatore during the past few years.

The Biology and economic Status of the common Black Ant of South India—Camponotus (Tanaemyrmex) compressus, Latr.

Camponotus compressus, the common black ant (fig. 1), is one of the most abundant and best known species of ants in South India. The worker is a large jet-black ant ranging in length from 6 to 16 mm. with moderately large eyes, brownish legs and antennae and a prominent shining abdomen. These ants live in enormous communities, travelling long distances from their nests, and are active at all times of day and night. Though ordinarily of a peaceful disposition, when alarmed or disturbed they may display a tendency to be quarrelsome.