Camponotus formosensis

Sturdily built and graceful in movement, this is one of Taiwan's large native ants. The body is dark brown to black and can exceed 1 cm in length. A wood-dwelling species, it is often found nesting in rotten logs or tree trunks beside mountain trails. It moves slowly but is strongly territorial and can hold its own against intruders. Relatively mild-tempered, with long-lived workers and stable colonies, it is a favourite among ant keepers. If you are interested in observing ant social behaviour, this is a species well worth watching.