Camponotus Pennsylvanicus ||Live Queen|| [Eastern Black Carpenter Ant]

Any species following the genus "Camponotus" are extremely easy to care for. A common misconception about carpenter ants is that they might damage wood inside a home. However, this is only true if the conditions of the wood are wet or rotting. 

Camponotus pennsylvanicus is one of the fastest-growing species of carpenter ants that also has the ability to produce different-sized workers (minor, media, and major). Overall, this species is fun to care for, is great for viewing, and is extremely hardy when it comes to diapause if you are looking into a Canadian beginner species.

Queen size: 18 mm

Worker size: 5-7 mm

Major size: 13-15 mm

Multiqueen: False

Nuptial flight timeframe:  Big flights tend to occur between May-June

Hibernation: True, November-March at 1-10°C

Care Guide:

Despite their hardy nature, it is still important to provide proper care for an optimal growing season. 

Food

Camponotus pennsylvanicus will eat anything they get their hands on. Insects (beetle larvae, fruit flies, or roaches) to meat (ham, turkey bacon, or chicken) and carbohydrates like Honey, sugar water, or nectar. 

Temperature and Humidity:

The temperature should range from 18-29C and humidity between 25-50% (room humidity or a little less)

Ant nest

Camponotus pennsylvanicus will do great in any of our setups. However, for this species, we recommend getting the Antville wooden ant nest. When choosing the size of the nest, the colony should take up at least 40%+ of the nest capacity to ensure the colony doesn't feel vulnerable and stressed.