
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Camponotus japonicus
One of Japan's largest ants, an all-black carpenter ant and the standard species for ant keeping. Nests in open dry ground; newly mated queens are traded in early summer.
The Japanese carpenter ant (Camponotus japonicus) is a formicine ant of the genus Camponotus found from Hokkaido to Kyushu, Tsushima, Yakushima and the Tokara Islands north of Suwanosejima, and abroad in China and the Korean Peninsula. Workers measure 7-12mm and are black with a matte head. It nests in dry open ground in fields, forest roads and parks, opening the nest entrance directly at the surface. Alates emerge in May-June, and nuptial flights take place from afternoon to evening on clear days after rain. Mature colonies reach about 1,000 workers; the species is omnivorous, feeding on honeydew, extrafloral nectar and insects. Newly mated, dealated queens are traded in early summer, and starting a queen alone in a test tube is the classic entry into ant keeping. Queens are reported to live about 20 years in captivity, allowing long-term observation of colony growth. Adapted to habitats from cities to forests and relatively tolerant of temperature swings and fasting, it is among the species most recommended for first-time keepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Carpenter Ant lives Queens about 20 years (in captivity).
The Japanese Carpenter Ant grows to Workers 7-12mm.
The ideal temperature for the Japanese Carpenter Ant is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Hokkaido to Kyushu, Tsushima, Yakushima, Tokara Islands (north of Suwanosejima); China, Korean Peninsula
Sources: AntRoom: How to keep ants (JP) / Wikipedia (ja): クロオオアリ / Japanese Ant Image Database (クロオオアリ)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Camponotus japonicus Mayr, 1866
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Queens about 20 years (in captivity)
Size
Workers 7-12mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Sugar water or insect jelly plus insects (omnivorous)
Keep at 23-25C and never above 30C, out of direct sun. As a Honshu species it overwinters indoors without heating. Never let the plaster nest or test tube dry out.
Nuptial flights occur in May-June. Place a dealated new queen in a test tube in the dark; she rears the first workers alone (claustral founding). Colonies have about 10-30 workers before their first winter.
Monogynous; individuals from other colonies or other species cannot be housed together. Never mix workers from different nests even of the same species.
Queens are reported to live about 20 years in captivity, and mature colonies reach around 1,000 workers. Expand the nest once workers exceed about 50.
Highly sensitive to desiccation; drying out is the main cause of death. Remove leftover food the next day to prevent mold. If the foraging area is too humid the ants will start using it as a nest.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Carpenter Ant is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Carpenter Ant is Queens about 20 years (in captivity). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Carpenter Ant typically reaches Workers 7-12mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Carpenter Ant feeds on: Sugar water or insect jelly plus insects (omnivorous). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Carpenter Ant varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026