Chestnut Carpenter Ant

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Camponotus castaneus: /ˌkæmpəˈnoʊtəs kæˈstæniˌus/

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Summary

Camponotus castaneus, commonly known as the chestnut carpenter ant, is a species native to the eastern United States characterized by its reddish coloration and nesting behavior in decaying wood and soil.

Physical Characteristics

Primarily orangish-red with a smooth thorax and abdomen; majors typically 10-14 mm, queens 18-20 mm, and super-majors 13-17 mm. Workers are dark orangish-red, while drones are maroon. Queens possess three ocelli on their heads.

Identification Tips

Identified by their square-ish head, smooth thorax and abdomen with 1 node separating them, and their coloration ranging from orange-red to darker red for older workers.

Habitat

Nests in rotting logs, soil under rocks, and exposed soil.

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging from Florida to Maine.

Diet

Generalist diet, feeding on insects and carbohydrates such as honeydew.

Life Cycle

Undergoes four main stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult ant; the entire process takes around 35-60 days depending on environmental factors.

Reproduction

Queens mating during nuptial flights in June and July, sometimes into August; queens can mate with multiple males and will establish new colonies following the nuptial flight.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the decomposition of wood and soil aeration; contributes to the food web as both predator and prey.

Similar Taxa

• Camponotus spp.
• Formica spp.

Misconceptions

Not to be confused with termites, which eat wood; Camponotus ants hollow out wood but do not consume it due to their weak digestive systems.

Tags

• ant
• Camponotus
• chestnut carpenter ant
• entomology
• Insecta