Giant Carpenter Ant

Camponotus sp. CA02 — the Giant California Carpenter Ant, the largest ant species in California and one of the biggest in the United States. Queens reach up to roughly 22 mm, with towering majors and a striking marmalade-orange gaster set against a black head and thorax. A true showpiece colony.

• You'll receive: a fresh-caught, mated queen with brood.
• Founding: Fully claustral — the queen raises her first workers on her own reserves.
• Diet: Omnivorous — they love nectar and sugars (you will see their gasters swell), plus regular insect protein for the brood.
• Temperature: A warm gradient around 75–82°F; comfortable at room temperature with supplemental heat.
• Diapause: Varies by population — many California colonies take a winter slowdown. Watch the colony: if they stop taking protein and brood stalls in late autumn, ease off heat for a cool rest, then warm them again to resume growth.
• Sting: None — they do not sting, though they can bite. Note: they are skilled climbers, so keep barriers fresh.

New to this species? Read our full Giant Carpenter Ant care guide →

From their chamber to your door — shipped with care by Royal Chamber Ants.