Camponotus gigas gigas

(Latreille, 1802)

Vernacular names
English : Giant forest ant
French : Fourmi géante des forêts d’Asie

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Hymenoptera
Family : Formicidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
One of the world’s biggest ants with queens and soldiers reaching over 2 .8cm in length. Heart-shaped head with strong jaws. Long black legs with brown underleg. Black head and thorax, abdomen chestnut-brown.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia, from southern Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia south to Sumatra and Borneo. Subspecies found in mainland Southeast Asia and Sumatra. Lives in primary and secondary forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status has yet to be assessed. It appears to be common even in secondary forests but could become threatened by deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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