Black Carpenter Ant

This species has clearly differentiated worker sizes. Standard workers measure 5–9 mm, while major workers reach 8–12 mm with larger heads and stronger mandibles used for chewing wood and defending the nest. Queens are the largest at 13–16 mm. The glossy black body, thick thorax, and large head are typical of the genus Camponotus as a whole.

Native to Burma and the broader South-to-Southeast Asian region, this is a tropical species with no need for winter dormancy. Like most Camponotus, it nests inside decaying wood, tree hollows, or rotting logs — it doesn't chew through sound, healthy timber the way termites do, but hollows out sections that are already soft or damp.

Native to Burma and the broader South-to-Southeast Asian region, this is a tropical species with no need for winter dormancy. Like most Camponotus, it nests inside decaying wood, tree hollows, or rotting logs — it doesn't chew through sound, healthy timber the way termites do, but hollows out sections that are already soft or damp.

This is one of the most forgiving species for beginners — no stinger, a mild bite, non-aggressive temperament, and generally easier care than predatory ants or species needing very high humidity. The colony size listed here (roughly 2,000–5,000 workers) reflects a typical mature colony, not a maximum. A great first species for anyone new to ant keeping.

Good to Know

The genus name Camponotus comes from Greek for "curved back," referring to the distinctively arched thorax shared across the genus. Camponotus species have nuptial flights in spring, and the genus is one of the most species-rich in the ant world, with more than 1,000 described species worldwide.

Camponotus parius produces up to three distinct worker sizes within one colony, from small minors to large majors that use their mandibles to defend the nest.

A colony begins with a single queen founding it in complete claustral isolation — she doesn't leave the nest to forage at all until her first workers are old enough to take over. Those first workers are small, and as the colony matures it gradually produces progressively larger workers. Like most Camponotus, black carpenter ants are primarily active at dusk and at night, which helps them avoid many daytime predators.

Camponotus parius produces up to three distinct worker sizes within one colony, from small minors to large majors that use their mandibles to defend the nest.

A colony begins with a single queen founding it in complete claustral isolation — she doesn't leave the nest to forage at all until her first workers are old enough to take over. Those first workers are small, and as the colony matures it gradually produces progressively larger workers. Like most Camponotus, black carpenter ants are primarily active at dusk and at night, which helps them avoid many daytime predators.

An omnivore that thrives on diluted honey or sugar water and sugar-based gel as its main energy source, alongside insect protein such as crickets, roaches, and fruit flies to fuel brood production. It doesn't eat seeds. Ideal temperature is around 24–28°C with nest humidity of 50–60%. Use moisture-retentive nesting material such as aerated concrete (Ytong) or a hybrid setup. Eggs take about 4–7 weeks to hatch into the first workers, and queens can live 10–20 years.