Camponotus chromaiodes Care Sheet

Scientific Name: Camponotus chromaiodes

Common Name: Red Carpenter Ant (Not to be confused with Camponotus novaboracensis)

Distribution: Eastern and Central Region of the United States

Queen size: 18-19 mm

Worker size: Majors and Minors can range from 6-15 mm

Natural Habitat: Habitats can range, but they are mostly found in Fallen or partially decayed trees. In some cases they may nest under objects or anywhere with ideal humidity.

Circadian Activity: Mostly Nocturnal.

Mating Flight: Primarily May and June on hot and humid late afternoons to early night.

Queen Founding Method: Fully Claustral

Monogyne or Polygyne: Monogyne

Average time from egg to worker: Development largely depends on temperature, but on average, Egg to larva - 20-30 days; larva to pupa - 10-15 days; Pupa to worker - 18-25 days. The warmer the temperature the faster the development.

Recommended Temperature: 77-83°F

Recommended Humidity:  35%-50%.  

Diet: Sugary liquids, spiders, crickets, mealworms, and apples.

Hibernation: Required  Fridge temperature will work for hibernation, November - March. (DO NOT HIBERNATE IN FREEZER)

Escape Barrier Methods: Fluon or olive Oil on a upside down surface create one of the best barriers.

Formicarium suggestion: Myrmecology Lab Formicarium’s