The nature conservation park allows visitors to explore the interior of an anthill and observe this little-known species capable of treating and performing controlled amputations of injured limbs. The Camponotus maculatus is also notable for its enormous size, aggressiveness, and predatory nature, with a tendency to hunt live prey. With the aim of promoting knowledge and protection of our planet's biodiversity, BIOPARC Valencia, in addition to housing large animals such as elephants and rhinoceroses with their young, opens up the enigmatic world of insects in a unique exhibit.
In nature, everything fulfills an essential function, and the smallest things have enormous value in the balance of biodiversity. With the aim of disseminating information about and conserving this wealth of our planet, BIOPARC Valencia presents a new facility which allows you to observe, like never before, the inner workings of an anthill. Located in the area that recreates the Kitum Cave, this unique enclosure offers the opportunity to contemplate the workings of a colony of a species of this insect with impressive characteristics.
La giant spotted ant (Camponotus maculatus) hunts, defends aggressively with soldiers that bite, project formic acid and outnumber the queen, colony growth is extraordinarily rapid and they operate surgically to perform amputations of damaged limbs.
The giant spotted ant (Camponotus maculatus)
People who visit BIOPARC Valencia They can see the galleries that connect the different specialized chambers, each with its own purpose, whether it be egg-laying, waste disposal, or food storage. innovative design and construction of this ant farm which in its natural habitat would remain hidden underground, has been carried out in collaboration with Anthouseto observe the activities of the female workers, the soldiers, and even the queen.
The setup is unique, adapted to the space's conditions and designed to offer the best possible view, while maintaining a controlled environment for the well-being and proper development of the colony (stable humidity, dim light and large structure).
One of the largest ants in Africa
Also known as carpenter antThis African species is one of the largest in existence and His character is extremely dominant.Their social organization and behavior are particularly striking: the defense of the nest is massive and coordinated, and their soldiers can engage in veritable territorial duels. Furthermore, although it is a young colony, its growth is very rapid: it can reach 10.000 individuals in less than two years and, at maturity, grow to up to 50.000, with a single queen.
Camponotus maculatus, an unusual and surprising case
But if there is one fact that places the Camponotus maculatus One case of unusual interest is its surprising “Medical” behavior, very poorly documented scientifically in antsThe workers detect injuries in their colleagues, carry out a hygiene protocol to prevent infections and, if the deterioration compromises survival, they can amputate from the base to prevent necrosis, continuing afterwards with a thorough cleaning. This ability to carefully sever injured limbs makes them "surgeon" ants..
Regarding its diet, this ant not only feeds on nectar; it also has a strong predatory instinct, so at BIOPARC Valencia it is provided with a varied diet that includes prey such as crickets, cockroaches and flies.
