Species Difficulty: Easy, Camponotus castaneus (sunrise amber ants) are lots of fun to keep!
Max Colony Size, Growth Speed, and Structure: Castaneus forms large colonies, often with upwards of 2,000 workers at mature size. Northern populations can grow slower than other Camponotus species, while southern populations will grow much quicker, sometimes able to reach 100 workers before diapause. Colonies are strictly monogyne.
Worker/Queen Information: Camponotus castaneus are primarily known for their large worker size (the largest in the US!) and beautiful coloration that ranges from pumpkin-orange to a deep amber. A dimorphic Camponotus species, workers are 8-11 millimeters long, majors can reach up to 16 mm, and queens can be 16-22 mm long.
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.
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus)
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About Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus):
On a personal note, Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) hold a special place in our hearts, and we're excited to share some intriguing facts about these ants!
Yes! They are also child-safe. (no biting or stinging)
Yes! In two months, you will see soldier ants in your colony.
Yes! Workers have a full marmalade-orange colored body.
No special diet. They are omnivorous and have a diverse diet, which includes scavenging for small insects, feeding on honeydew produced by aphids, and foraging for plant material.
Digging Masters
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) typically create subterranean nests, constructing intricate tunnel systems beneath the soil's surface to house their colonies.
Named after their upper body.
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) derive their name from their striking orange full-body color.
Defense is better than offense.
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) exhibit polymorphism, meaning they have different-sized castes within the same colony. This includes huge soldier ants (who defend the colony) and smaller worker ants.
20
millimeters long.
100%
Beginner-friendly
12
Year lifespan
Ant-Keeping Highlights:
After your Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) colony grows, you will see them produce soldier ants with a huge orange head. (these are harmless by the way.)
All of our queens ants are fertilized and are ready to start their ant colony. Ants only need to be fertilized once in their life! All queens will come with eggs (as seen in the picture)--free of charge.
Included in your package:
Timeline after ants arrive:
At long last, your eagerly anticipated ant colony has arrived, this is the start of a new chapter in your ant-keeping journey.
View this timeline to see how the next couple years will be like!
After 1 Week:
Eggs transformation
In the captivating world of antkeeping, we have a front-row seat to one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena - the egg transformation.
As time passes, the eggs undergo a miraculous transformation, hatching into tiny, legless larvae. These growing larvae are cared for by the queen and worker ants, who tend to their needs, providing nourishment and ensuring their safety.
After 1 Month:
First workers arrive.
We are thrilled to share a remarkable moment in your ant-keeping journey – the first workers have arrived! These tiny workers are the backbone of the colony, signaling that your ant habitat is flourishing.
As your Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) colony grows, you can now witness their cooperative efforts in full swing. The first workers will diligently tend to the queen, nurture the brood, and forage for food to sustain the entire community.
A Year of Ant-Keeping
As we mark a full year in the world of ant-keeping, we can't help but marvel at the incredible journey we've embarked on.
What began as a queen ant now has blossomed into a thriving society, brimming with life, wonder, and endless fascination.
Our antkeeping journey has also been a lesson in patience and understanding. We've learned to appreciate the nuances of ant behavior, understanding their moods, and recognizing the subtle signs of their well-being.
A Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Lasting Bonds.
Through the years, your antkeeping journey has also been a journey of personal growth and learning.
You've honed your skills in creating optimal habitats, ensuring the colony's health and well-being. The sense of responsibility and connection you feel toward these tiny creatures has enriched your life in ways you never imagined.
A Legendary Journey.
To fellow antkeepers and enthusiasts, we share our journey as a testament to the depth of connection we can form with nature.
We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey and start your own ant colony with us.
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus)
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Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) FAQ
Below, we've answered some common questions about golden-tailed ants to help you understand the basics of antkeeping.
How does this whole thing work? I am confused?
No worries! So to explain, we have a bunch of fertilized queen ants. They will lay eggs for you and start your very own colony! You can control the colony size by how much you feed them.
If you want to add workers to your queen, you will save about a month of waiting time for her eggs to hatch. It is recommended for you to get worker ants with your queen. But no need to fret, you colony will continue to grow as time passes by.
The reason we recommend getting a queen instead of random ants you find in your backyard is because you can enjoy a long-term ant farm that will live on for YEARS. The queen will slowly grow her colony and you can watch this process happen from start to finish.
What are Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus)?
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) are a captivating species of ants known for their distinctive orange bodies, which contrast with other ant species. They are found in the south-eastern part of the USA, and exhibit interesting behaviors, making them a popular choice for ant enthusiasts.
How many ants should I start with?
We recommend starting with a queen ant with about 3-5 workers! This way your ant colony is more stable and you can introduce them to an ant nest right away.
Are there any specific temperature requirements for Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus)?
In captivity, maintaining a stable and suitable temperature range between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F) works best for keeping them happy.
Do Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) sting or bite?
Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) do not possess a stinger or a bite as a means of defense. So this allows you to enjoy antkeeping without the hassle of being hurt.
What happens if these ants escape?
Rest assured, Sunrise Amber Ants (C. castaneus) are ants that will not harm your house and will usually die out due to being brought up in captivity.
If you are still worried, we do have fluon, which is a barrier you put on the top of your nest to prevent ants from escaping.
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Why buy from Planted ANTS?
You get the best value from us. With a focus on ethical practices, guaranteed live arrival, and safe shipping, PlantedANTS takes pride in providing educational resources in each package, engaging with fans at reptile conventions, and making ant-keeping an enriching experience for all.
Health and Quality.
We take great care in nurturing our ants, ensuring they are in the best condition when they arrive at your doorstep.
Expert Ant Guidance.
PlantedANTS provides comprehensive 20-page book on ant care, colony setup, and maintenance.
Safe Shipping.
Rest assured, our shipping methods prioritize the safety and security of the queen ants during transit, ensuring they reach you in excellent condition.
Embark on an architectural adventure as you build your own ant city!