Colobopsis Truncata -Experienced - Arboreal, Small in size
 
Rarely do we see such fascinating species as the Truncata. Not only that but they are from our very own European back yard.
 
Formerly known as Camponotus Truncatas this species is small, many will tell you they have never once seen a nest and only encouter them on nuptial day.
 
These tree dwellers make their homes in dead, fallen or rotting branches as well as up in trees which have not fallen too. They are a small and nimble species which does not require vast space at all., this is why one of their favorite places to found a colony is in an acorn.
 
What makes Truncata special is that their workers have developed a polymorphism where their heads are flat and box like. This wedge like head means workers can plug a nest entrance or tunnel with a living door. Using a living barrier of impassible heads their prominent mandibles can defend at the same time given they protrude from their heads. 
 
Truncata will charge any invader from insects to other ants. They are incredibly powerful for a small species and can easily push an attacker out of their nest. The queen also displays this feature and she uses her head to keep her foundation chamber shut while forming her colony.
 
Truncata are extremely aggressive to other colonies of the same species and can move quickly to eliminate their targets. Picking fights carefully of course as a Truncatas colony will only reach up to 500 workers.
 
Predominately they eat other "wood life" using tunnels in their nest to find and capture it. They also keep aphid farms high up in the trees. Workers can also be found on the surface scavenging dead insects. One thing is for sure, these wonders will not take up large amounts of space and will entertain you no end.
 
Caution: This species has Formic Acid, Ensure your setup has adequate ventilation.
 
Fun Fact: Truncata are one of very few species who are capable of Thelytoky. Then a queen dies an unfertilised worker will take on the role of laying both workers and alates for the colony. The colony will in theory continue indefinitely, however alates are vital for the combining of genes and evolution of the species moving forward.
 
Colony Size
Up to 500 workers
Queen 
Fully Claustral (No food while founding)
Age - 14 to 20 years
Monogyne - One queen per colony
Temperature 
21 to 28 degrees in nest
Humidity 
50% to 60% in nest
Hibernation
Yes - late December through mid February at 15 degrees.
Polymorphic (Different size casts)
Yes - Workers have round heads, Majors have flat heads.
Sting/Spray/Bite
Yes, Acid
Diet 
Protein, Sugars, honey and Insects
Nest Type
Natural, Wood, Acrylic, Glass.
Size
Queen - 6mm - 7mm
Worker - 3mm - 6mm
Major - 6mm - 7mm
Development 
Egg to Adult Worker -6 to 9 weeks