Workers are approximately 5–12 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus nicobarensis
A fast-growing tropical carpenter ant that remains active through warm nights.
About this species
Camponotus nicobarensisMayr, 1865
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus nicobarensis is a widespread tropical Asian carpenter ant. Colonies nest in soil, wood or existing cavities and exploit a broad range of sugary and animal food.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
South and Southeast AsiaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
South Asia through mainland and island Southeast Asia.
Tropical forest edge, secondary growth, plantations, parks and disturbed habitats.
Often strongly nocturnal, with workers travelling rapidly along established routes after dark.
Honeydew, nectar, ripe fruit, carrion and small arthropods.
Colonies contain polymorphic workers and can expand rapidly under favourable tropical conditions.
What makes this species remarkable?
Workers are agile and recruit nestmates quickly to rich food sources.
The species tolerates disturbed habitats better than many forest specialists.
Different worker sizes allow the colony to switch between scouting, transport and defence.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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