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Camponotus quadrinotatus
A small carpenter ant with four yellow spots, one pair on each of the first two gastral tergites. Arboreal, nesting in cracks of wood and under bark.
Camponotus quadrinotatus is a carpenter ant of the subgenus Myrmentoma distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and abroad in the Korean Peninsula and China. Workers measure only 5-6mm, far smaller than C. japonicus or C. obscuripes. The body is black, the pronotum often tinged brown, and the first and second gastral tergites each bear a pair of yellow round spots, hence the Japanese name (four-spotted). The dorsum of the mesosoma is not constricted and the petiole bears erect hairs. An arboreal nester, it makes its nest in cracks of wood and under bark. Small for a Camponotus, it tends to prefer a slightly drier nest in captivity in keeping with its habit; it is traded less than the large soil-nesting species but is popular with enthusiasts for its distinctive markings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Four-spotted Carpenter Ant lives Queens 8-15 years.
The Four-spotted Carpenter Ant grows to Workers 5-6mm.
The ideal temperature for the Four-spotted Carpenter Ant is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Hokkaido to Kyushu; Korean Peninsula, China
Lifespan
Queens 8-15 years
Sources: AntRoom: How to keep ants (JP) / Japanese Ant Image Database (ヨツボシオオアリ)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Camponotus quadrinotatus Forel, 1886
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Workers 5-6mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Sugars (honeydew, sugar water) and insects (omnivorous)
Keep at 23-25C, never above 30C. A bark-nesting species, so avoid sogginess while never letting the water source run dry. Honshu stock overwinters indoors unheated.
Start a dealated new queen alone in a test tube. Being arboreal, queens are seldom collected with nests, so starting from a new queen is the practical route.
Cannot be housed with other colonies or species.
A small carpenter ant whose colonies can be maintained in a test tube or small plaster nest.
At 5-6mm it escapes through gaps, so keep the container sealed. Beware of mold from overfeeding.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Four-spotted Carpenter Ant is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Four-spotted Carpenter Ant is Queens 8-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Four-spotted Carpenter Ant typically reaches Workers 5-6mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Four-spotted Carpenter Ant feeds on: Sugars (honeydew, sugar water) and insects (omnivorous). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Four-spotted Carpenter Ant varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026