Camponotus floridanus, also known as the Florida carpenter ant, is one of the most impressive carpenter ant species found in North America. It is native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and neighboring states. This species is famous for its striking coloration, usually a combination of reddish-orange and dark brown or black. The ants are polymorphic, meaning workers vary in size, with minor and major workers performing different tasks. Queens usually measure about 16 to 20 mm, while workers range from roughly 5.5 to 10 mm depending on caste. Colonies are monogynous with a single queen and can grow to several thousand workers, sometimes reaching over 8,000 individuals in a mature colony.
Camponotus floridanus
In nature Camponotus floridanus lives in wooded and shaded environments across the southeastern United States. They commonly nest in rotting wood, tree cavities, underground near tree bases, or in other protected spaces. Unlike some carpenter ants, they usually occupy existing cavities rather than excavating large galleries themselves. Workers forage mostly at night, although larger colonies may also forage during the day in shaded areas. Minor workers perform most colony tasks such as brood care and food gathering, while the larger majors mainly defend the nest. Colonies grow relatively quickly compared to many other Camponotus species and can expand into multiple connected nest chambers.
