Camponotus pennsylvanicus (Black Carpenter Ant) Care Sheet & Species Profile

Slug: camponotus-pennsylvanicus-care-sheet

Introduction

Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the Black Carpenter Ant, is the "Goliath" of the North American forests. These are the giants of the hobby, known for their impressive size, powerful mandibles, and distinct polymorphic worker castes. In the wild, they are the primary decomposers of the forest, carving intricate galleries into dead wood and standing trees. As a pet, they are a "patience-builder" species—slow to start but incredibly rewarding once the colony reaches a size where the massive "Major" workers begin to appear.

The "vibe" of a C. pennsylvanicus colony is majestic and deliberate. They are primarily nocturnal, coming alive at dusk with a flurry of activity. Unlike the frantic Lasius, Carpenter ants move with a calculated, heavy gait. Their social structure is complex, involving intricate pheromone trails and "tandem running," where one ant literally leads another to a food source.

Identification & Biology

• Physical Description: Entirely matte black. The body is covered in fine, whitish hairs, which are particularly dense on the gaster (abdomen), giving it a slightly "frosty" look under certain lights.
• Size Range:
• Minors: 6mm – 9mm.
• Majors: 10mm – 13mm (Massive heads with powerful adductor muscles).
• Queen: 16mm – 18mm.
• Distinguishing Features: The "clypeus" (the front of the head) is not notched, and the thorax has a smoothly rounded profile when viewed from the side, a hallmark of the Camponotus genus.

Colony Structure & Dynamics

• Typical Colony Size: Mature colonies average 3,000 workers but can reach up to 10,000 in very old, established wild nests.
• Social Structure: Strictly Monogyne.
• Worker Roles: High degree of Polymorphism.
• Minors: Foraging and nursing.
• Medias: General labor and transport.
• Majors: Defense and "milling" (crushing hard insect shells). They also act as "repletes," storing liquid food in their gasters to feed the colony during lean times.
• Lifespan: Queens can live over 15 years. Workers live significantly longer than Lasius, often surviving for 1-2 years.

Habitat & Environmental Needs

• Natural Range: Eastern and Central North America.
• Temperature:
• Nest: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 80°F). They benefit from a slight heat gradient.
• Outworld: Room temperature is sufficient.
• Humidity:
• Nest: 30% – 50% (Lower than Lasius). They are "dry-nesting" ants but require a moist area for brood.
• Outworld: Dry (30%).
• Substrate & Nesting: Wood is their natural home. In captivity, they thrive in wood, cork, or high-quality 3D-printed nests that mimic wood texture.

Feeding & Nutrition

• Diet in the Wild: Primarily "honeydew" from aphids and scale insects, supplemented by dead insects and extrafloral nectaries.
• Captive Feeding:
• Sugars: High-quality honey, maple syrup (diluted), or Ant Shack Nectar.
• Protein: Large crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. They love soft-bodied insects.
• Hydration: Crucial. They are large ants and can dehydrate quickly if a water source is not available 24/7.

The Ant Shack Recommended Setup

For housing Camponotus pennsylvanicus, we recommend our professional Natural Ant Habitat Kit - Large, which provides the ideal balance of visibility, security, and climate control.

• Observation: Crystal-clear materials for the best view of the Camponotus pennsylvanicus colony.
• Climate Control: Designed to maintain the specific humidity needs of Camponotus pennsylvanicus.
• Security: Escape-proof design tailored for active Camponotus pennsylvanicus workers.

Annual Cycle: Diapause & Growth

• Hibernation (Diapause): Mandatory. They require a 4-5 month period of cold (3°C – 8°C) from November to March. Without this, the queen’s ovaries will shut down, and the colony will stop producing brood.
• Growth Rate: Slow. The first year typically results in only 5-10 workers. Year two may see 30-50. By year three, the colony "explodes" into the hundreds.

Common Challenges & Pro-Tips

• Troubleshooting: "Foundation Stress." New queens are easily spooked by vibrations. Keep them in a dark, vibration-free drawer and only check them once every 2 weeks.
• Expert Advice: They are highly susceptible to "formic acid burn" in poorly ventilated nests. Ensure your Natural Ant Habitat Kit - Large has a mesh lid to allow gas exchange.