{"product_id":"camponotus-castaneus","title":"Ruby Chestnut Carpenter Ant (Camponotus castaneus)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"MW5IWV\" data-motion-part=\"BG_LAYER\" data-hook=\"bgLayers\" id=\"bgLayers_comp-kxrxckz91\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"15334\" data-end=\"15388\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"15337\" data-end=\"15386\"\u003eCamponotus castaneus (Chestnut Carpenter Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15390\" data-end=\"15640\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"15390\" data-end=\"15412\"\u003eCamponotus castaneus\u003c\/em\u003e, the Chestnut Carpenter Ant, is one of the most elegant and gentle ant species found in the eastern United States. Recognized for their deep red coloration and calm behavior, they are ideal for educational and display setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15642\" data-end=\"15940\"\u003eColonies of \u003cem data-start=\"15654\" data-end=\"15668\"\u003eC. castaneus\u003c\/em\u003e grow slowly but steadily, forming long-lived, structured societies that reflect the best of carpenter ant organization. Their large queens and polymorphic workers add visual diversity, while their patience-testing growth pace makes them rewarding for dedicated keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15942\" data-end=\"16106\"\u003eWhen provided with seasonal cycles including a cool winter diapause. These ants flourish, forming impressive colonies that showcase natural carpenter ant behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"16108\" data-end=\"16111\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"16113\" data-end=\"16135\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16117\" data-end=\"16133\"\u003eSpecies Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16137\" data-end=\"16255\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16137\" data-end=\"16149\"\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16149\" data-end=\"16152\"\u003eLarge, reddish carpenter ant native to temperate forests; known for calm colonies and long lifespans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16257\" data-end=\"16349\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16257\" data-end=\"16266\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16266\" data-end=\"16269\"\u003eProvide \u003cstrong data-start=\"16277\" data-end=\"16301\"\u003ebyFormica Ant Nectar\u003c\/strong\u003e and protein from insects or soft-bodied prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16351\" data-end=\"16445\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16351\" data-end=\"16367\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16367\" data-end=\"16370\"\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong data-start=\"16379\" data-end=\"16390\"\u003e78–85°F\u003c\/strong\u003e during the active season; cooler during winter rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16447\" data-end=\"16509\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16447\" data-end=\"16456\"\u003eNest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16456\" data-end=\"16459\"\u003eWood-based or acrylic setups with mild humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16511\" data-end=\"16564\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16511\" data-end=\"16524\"\u003eDiapause:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16524\" data-end=\"16527\"\u003eYes—essential for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16566\" data-end=\"16645\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16566\" data-end=\"16577\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"16577\" data-end=\"16580\"\u003eSlow and steady; develops large, long-lived colonies over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16647\" data-end=\"16699\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16647\" data-end=\"16662\"\u003eQueen size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17–20 mm  \u003cstrong data-start=\"16673\" data-end=\"16689\"\u003eWorker size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–12 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"16701\" data-end=\"16704\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"16706\" data-end=\"16942\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16706\" data-end=\"16715\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e All ants for sale have a range where the species is native. Always check your local regulations before purchasing live ants.\u003cbr data-start=\"16840\" data-end=\"16843\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"16843\" data-end=\"16861\"\u003eStates Native:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/camponotus-care-guide\"\u003eCarpenter Ant Care Guide\u003c\/a\u003e | \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.americanantstore.com\/pages\/ant-feeding-guide\"\u003eAnt Feeding Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American Ant Store","offers":[{"title":"1 queen","offer_id":46878391959810,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen 5-10 workers","offer_id":46878391992578,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/CamponotusCastaneusQueen.jpg?v=1764619376","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/camponotus-castaneus","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}