Namib desert dune ant (Camponotus detritus) nests are simple structures excavated among the roots of perennial vegetation in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

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Namib desert dune ant (Camponotus detritus) nests are simple structures excavated among the roots of perennial vegetation in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. They comprise a series of tunnels and chambers 100?400 mm deep, often lined with detritus. No royal chamber or food stores were found. Brood was found throughout the nest, throughout the year. Nest temperatures varied considerably. Mean nest temperatures were about 32ñ–ˆžC in summer and 20?23ñ–ˆžC in winter. The number of workers per nest varied from 218 to 16,000 with a mean and standard error of 3,404ñ–±570. Each colony comprised one to four nests. Only one nest per colony housed queens. Colony expansion and nest relocation occurred frequently.

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Photo credit: © Solvin Zankl / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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