Camponotus pudorosus

Buckeye Myrmecology has been granted permits by the USDA which allow us to ship these ants to many states in the Continental US. All shipments of Camponotus pudorosus will include the relevant permit for your state and information on safe handling and disposal of these ants. States that we are allowed to ship Camponotus pudorosus to are listed below.

STATES AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Species Difficulty: Easy, an active and fun species.

Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Camponotus pudorosus is not well studied and its true colony size remains unknown. Based on closely related Camponotus spp., its maximum colony size is likely less than a few thousand workers. Colonies of C. pudorosus grow quickly, often reaching 50 workers by the end of their founding year, and more soon after. Major workers typically appear between 15 and 40 workers.

Worker/Queen Information: Workers are medium sized, approximately 4.5-6 millimeters long, and majors can reach up to 8-10mm. Queens of Camponotus pudorosus measure in at ~10mm in length. Both workers and queens have orange-yellow heads and mesosomas with a black gaster. Camponotus pudorosus is dimorphic, with a minor and major worker caste.

Hibernation/Diapause: This species does not need to hibernate, and doing so is not recommended.

Feeding Requirements: They will eat a wide range of feeder insects, including superworms, mealworms, dubia roaches, and fruit flies. They require constant sugars, in the form of sugar water or honey.

Heating and Humidity: This species requires a heating cable or mat, and must be kept over 80f. Prefers 85f. Medium humidity.

Nesting Habits and Escape Prevention: In the wild, C. pudorosus is found in the arid deserts of Mexico and a few southwestern US states, nesting under rocks and other groundcover.¹ In captivity, they can thrive in many different nest environments, including acrylic, 3D printed, grout, and ultracal nests. Talcum powder, olive oil, and Fluon can be used to prevent escape.

Development Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks egg to worker with proper heating.