Camponotus novaeboracensis Care Sheet

Scientific Name: Camponotus novaeboracensis

Common Name: Carpenter ant

Distribution: Northern Region of the United States and Canada.

Queen size: 16-18 mm

Worker size: Majors and Minors can range from 7-16 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: Nocturnal.

Mating Flight: Primarily May and June on hot and humid late afternoons to early night. Flights are rare when temperature is below 80°F.

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 wermer 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, but this species frequently hibernates in temperatures well below freezing. (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