Chestnut Carpenter Ant
Camponotus castaneus
This large reddish carpenter ant lives in warm forests, woodland edges, and sandy open habitats of the southeastern United States, often nesting in soil or rotting wood rather than sound lumber. Workers forage for nectar, honeydew, small dead insects, and other scraps, using strong mandibles to cut and carry food. Like other carpenter ants, it can defend itself with biting and formic-acid secretions instead of a sting. Its striking chestnut-orange color helps distinguish it from many darker Camponotus relatives.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Chestnut Carpenter Ant
- ?
- Chestnut Carpenter Ant Drone