{"product_id":"orange-carpenter-ant-camponotus-ocreatus","title":"Orange Desert Carpenter Ant (Camponotus ocreatus)","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"bgLayers_comp-kxrxckz91\" data-hook=\"bgLayers\" data-motion-part=\"BG_LAYER\" class=\"MW5IWV\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3848\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003eOrange Desert Carpenter Ant (Camponotus ocreatus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2745\" data-end=\"3123\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2745\" data-end=\"2768\"\u003eCamponotus ocreatus\u003c\/strong\u003e is an eye-catching species native to the southwestern United States, easily identified by its deep black body paired with vivid orange legs. This dramatic contrast makes \u003cem data-start=\"2939\" data-end=\"2952\"\u003eCamponotus ocreatus\u003c\/em\u003e one of the most visually unique carpenter ants available to hobbyists. Active, bold, and charismatic, this species is ideal for keepers seeking a stunning display colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3125\" data-end=\"3448\"\u003eThese ants are fast-moving and highly exploratory, making them entertaining to observe in naturalistic formicaria. Colonies begin slowly but accelerate once established, developing into large, organized societies with impressive caste variation. Majors are especially striking with their broad heads and intense coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3838\"\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3484\"\u003eCamponotus ocreatus\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits arid woodland and desert regions, nesting in rotting wood, loose soil, and dry debris. In captivity, they thrive when provided with moderate warmth, controlled humidity, and consistent access to sugar and protein. Their distinctive appearance and active foraging behavior make them a standout species for both intermediate and advanced keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3840\" data-end=\"3843\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3848\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003eSpecies Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"4040\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3878\"\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3878\" data-end=\"3881\"\u003eA highly attractive carpenter ant featuring vivid orange legs and a glossy black body. Known for active behavior, striking majors, and strong colony structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4165\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4051\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4051\" data-end=\"4054\"\u003eProvide \u003cstrong data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4086\"\u003ebyFormica Ant Nectar\u003c\/strong\u003e, sugar solutions, and protein sources such as crickets, mealworms, or roaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4167\" data-end=\"4245\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4167\" data-end=\"4183\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4183\" data-end=\"4186\"\u003eMaintain \u003cstrong data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4206\"\u003e78–85°F\u003c\/strong\u003e with moderate humidity in brood areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4247\" data-end=\"4377\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4247\" data-end=\"4256\"\u003eNest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4256\" data-end=\"4259\"\u003eAcrylic, wood-based, or desert-style formicaria all work well. Keep brood chambers slightly humid with a dry outworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4379\" data-end=\"4452\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4379\" data-end=\"4392\"\u003eDiapause:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4395\"\u003eYes, benefits from a mild winter diapause of 1–2 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4454\" data-end=\"4543\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4454\" data-end=\"4465\"\u003eGrowth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4465\" data-end=\"4468\"\u003eModerate. Colonies establish steadily and become highly active once mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4545\" data-end=\"4596\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4545\" data-end=\"4560\"\u003eQueen size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–14 mm  \u003cstrong data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4587\"\u003eWorker size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4598\" data-end=\"4652\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4598\" data-end=\"4616\"\u003eStates Native:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah\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":47093415903490,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 queen 5-10 workers","offer_id":47093415936258,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/7024\/9474\/files\/CamponotusOcreatusQueen.jpg?v=1764622390","url":"https:\/\/americanantstore.com\/products\/orange-carpenter-ant-camponotus-ocreatus","provider":"American Ant Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}