Camponotus castaneus (Chestnut Carpenter Ant)

It's my theory that Camponotus castaneus, the Chestnut Carpenter Ant, used to be more widely distributed across Ontario. These beautiful ants are bright orange and one of the largest ants in North America. They form large colonies, but are typically timid and come out only at night amidst mixed forests and savannah. 

It's theorized that many Northern species of ants are darker in colour in order to absorb more heat. It shouldn't be surprising then, that in Canada, these ants are now found only on Point Pelee-- the Southermost tip, although they likely lived more widely around the coast of Lake Erie.

As they fly later in the year than other carpenter ant species, it is expected that colonies are slightly smaller at the end of the year. Queens range from 17-18mm, and workers from 7-17mm. These ants should be kept closer to 28 degrees C with a humidity around 60%. Unlike other carpenter ants, these are a soil nesting species which require higher humidity.

Test tube inserts are upgrades to the test tube setups provided. If purchased, they come with a dark hood to lower light levels for the colony, an insert which provides a living space, and a feeding insert to provide food for the colony.

Ungrouted inserts are a blank plastic insert which helps provide a more suitable space for the ants to grip (as opposed to glass tubes), while grouted inserts are bedded with a substrate which helps distribute humidity more evenly throughout the test tube, and helps certain ants create their cocoons more easily. Overall, grouted inserts are more comfortable for the ants.

You will NOT need an insert for colonies in test tubes, but it does help for certain species. IF you are moving the ants into a nest immediately, do NOT get a test tube insert.

This species comes from more tropical areas than Canada, and are not cold-tolerant. Thus, we will not ship them in the winter

Just a warning, we will NOT ship live ants into the US unless the receiver has a permit. If such an order is made, it will be refunded, minus a 10% processing fee and restocking fee

This product is from Canada Ant Colony. The full catalogue, including all variants, can be found at https://canada-ant-colony.com