General: Camponotus subbarbatus is a stunning species with coloration that separates it from any other American ant.  The queens and workers are both brown/black and have a yellow gaster with black stripes. Colonies are calm and tend to grow slowly.

Diet: A good diet with these ants would be liquid sugars (honey, sugarwater) and a protein source (fruit flies, crickets, mealworms). Fruit flies seem to be a favorite of this species.

Temperature: The colonies benefit from a heat source, such as a heat mat, heat cable, or heated room. A good temperature is about 80-85 degrees, but there should be a heating gradient with a cooler side.

Diapause: This species requires a diapause period, which should last 3-4 months ideally. During this time, the ants need to be cooled down to a low temperature, with around 40 degrees fahrenheit being ideal. You can achieve diapause by placing the ants in a controlled cooling unit, such as a wine cooler, mini fridge, or regular fridge if temperatures are safe. If you cannot use any of these, a non-heated room which stays above freezing could work. 

Growth: Brood development can take anywhere between 5-9 weeks depending on feeding and heating, with 7-8 weeks being the average. Queens tend to lay eggs in batches. Colonies grow slow for the first year or two of development, but tend to reach the hundreds within 2-3 years. 

Queen size: 8-10mm

Major size: 5-8mm

Worker size: 4-7mm

If ants arrive in bad condition, contact us for help. Live arrival is guaranteed.

Shipping happens from Monday-Wednesday. During the winter, shipping may cost more due to the need of a heat pack.