4 replies to this topic

[deadmothh]

Does anyone know how many semi-distinct worker types are displayed in Camponotus chromaides? I've heard mixed things about C. pennsylvanicus, which is also in my area and is closely related -- some people say that there are three worker sizes (major, medium, minor) and some that there are only two, major and minor. I can't find any information about C. chromaides in this area, but I'm guessing it would be similar to C. pennsylvanicus. I'd like to know as much as I can about both!
Are there two? Is "medium" a useful category? I've also heard people talk about C. pennsylvanicus "supermajors", which seems like a sub-category of major -- is "medium" more like a subcategory of unusually large minors or is it a meaningful distinction? Photo comparisons of the castes would also be really ideal!

(I am an artist and I am making a series of art prints on local insects in my area! I'd like to display as much of the variation within each single species as I can, so I'm hoping to draw an example of a each worker caste along with an an alate and a queen for both of these species. )

[ZTYguy]

A median is like a major but smaller just picture say a major of any Camponotus and size it down slightly and make the head normal size and boom you’ve gotten yourself a camp median. I believe that the species listed have only majors and minors but you’ll have to see. Sorry if any info listed is wrong.

[deadmothh]

A median is like a major but smaller just picture say a major of any Camponotus and size it down slightly and make the head normal size and boom you’ve gotten yourself a camp median. I believe that the species listed have only majors and minors but you’ll have to see. Sorry if any info listed is wrong.

Thank you!! Do medians and minors have different roles in the colony? Or are they just minors-but-big?

[ZTYguy]

I’m not quite sure but I’m sure they do a good amount of what the majors do.

[Kaelwizard]

A median is like a major but smaller just picture say a major of any Camponotus and size it down slightly and make the head normal size and boom you’ve gotten yourself a camp median. I believe that the species listed have only majors and minors but you’ll have to see. Sorry if any info listed is wrong.

Thank you!! Do medians and minors have different roles in the colony? Or are they just minors-but-big?

I believe (based on the pennsylvanicus colony I observed) the minors stay in the nest to care for the brood while medians and majors do foraging duties once there are enough of them.

Edited by Kaelwizard, May 11 2021 - 3:50 AM.