{"product_id":"camponotus-discolor","title":"Bicolor Carpenter Ant (Camponotus discolor)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"MW5IWV\" data-motion-part=\"BG_LAYER\" data-hook=\"bgLayers\" id=\"bgLayers_comp-kxrxckz91\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"365\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"363\"\u003eCamponotus discolor (Bicolor Carpenter Ant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"855\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"388\"\u003eCamponotus discolor\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly called the Bicolor Carpenter Ant, is a striking and intelligent species found throughout parts of the southeastern and central United States. Known for its bold contrast between dark head and gaster with a rich reddish-brown thorax, \u003cem data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"645\"\u003eC. discolor\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as one of the most visually distinct carpenter ants in North America. Calm, adaptable, and long-lived, these ants are perfect for keepers seeking a large, active species that thrives in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"1267\"\u003eThis species is highly social and easy to observe thanks to its large worker size and steady foraging habits. Colonies of \u003cem data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1000\"\u003eCamponotus discolor\u003c\/em\u003e develop slowly at first but become remarkably organized once established, often producing large polymorphic worker populations with clear caste differentiation. They are curious, non-aggressive, and well-suited for both display formicariums and educational setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1269\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003eIn their natural range, \u003cem data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003eC. discolor\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits decaying wood and forest debris, favoring warm, humid microclimates. In captivity, they do best in moderately humid formicaria with access to consistent warmth and sugar-based nutrition. As a beginner-to-intermediate species, \u003cem data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1563\"\u003eCamponotus discolor\u003c\/em\u003e offers both ease of care and a dynamic colony structure that grows more impressive over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1664\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1666\" data-end=\"1688\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003eSpecies Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1918\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1702\"\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1705\"\u003eA large, bicolored carpenter ant species known for its striking red-and-black pattern and calm behavior. Colonies grow slowly at first but mature into large, long-lived societies with well-defined worker castes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"2125\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"1932\"\u003eProvide constant access to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1959\" data-end=\"1983\"\u003ebyFormica Ant Nectar\u003c\/strong\u003e or other sugar solutions for energy, along with insect protein such as crickets, fruit flies, or mealworms for brood and queen nourishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2294\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2143\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2146\"\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2166\"\u003e78–85°F\u003c\/strong\u003e during the active season. Provide a slight temperature gradient and moderate humidity in brood areas for healthy development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2428\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2305\"\u003eNest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2305\" data-end=\"2308\"\u003eWood-based nests or cement style formicaria are ideal, with moderate humidity and dry, open outworlds for foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2558\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003eDiapause:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2446\"\u003eYes, \u003cem data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2465\"\u003eC. discolor\u003c\/em\u003e benefits from a cool winter diapause lasting 2–3 months to ensure long-term colony health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2690\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2571\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2574\"\u003eSlow to moderate. Colonies typically take 1–2 years to reach large populations but become very stable once mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2744\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2707\"\u003eQueen size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10-12mm  \u003cstrong data-start=\"2718\" data-end=\"2734\"\u003eWorker size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–8 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2749\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"3008\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2760\"\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=\"2885\" data-end=\"2888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003eStates Native:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia\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":46878395728130,"sku":null,"price":42.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 queen 5-10 workers","offer_id":46878395760898,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/CamponotusDiscolorQueen.jpg?v=1764621998","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/camponotus-discolor","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}