Heat cable temporarily unavailable — price reduced

This kit normally includes a heat cable. We're out of stock until late September, so the kit price has been reduced while it's missing. The photos still show the cable, since it returns to the kit once stock arrives.

Heat in the meantime: nearly all species need one warm end near 82–85°F, with the other end at or near room temperature. A heat cable is the only heat source we recommend — an inexpensive one is available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/07at29R0

Please don't substitute a heat mat or a heat lamp. Both heat too broadly, which defeats the gradient, and they can dry out or overheat the nest. Never heat the whole nest — the ants need to be able to choose.

Questions about your setup? antopiausa@gmail.com

Meet one of the most beautiful and rewarding starter Camponotus colonies available — Camponotus discolor, a striking red-and-black carpenter ant species known for strong early activity, impressive coloration, and beginner-friendly care.

This complete ant farm kit pairs a young live Camponotus discolor colony with AntopiaUSA’s Desktop Ant Farm system, giving you everything needed to go from unboxing to a clean, functional setup in under 15 minutes. No complicated assembly. No constant misting. No guessing which accessories you still need. Just a properly started colony and a habitat built for long-term success.

Your live colony includes one mated Camponotus discolor queen, 1–5 workers, and brood, giving you a stronger head start than a queen-only setup while still letting you experience the early growth stages of a young colony.

Camponotus discolor is especially loved for its bold red and black coloration, strong foraging behavior, and faster establishment compared with many other Camponotus species. This makes it a great choice for new ant keepers who want something visually exciting, but still manageable.

What's Included:

Live colony with laying queen and workers

1 ant nest

1 outworld

Double liquid feeder test tube setup - one drinking water, one Red Ant Drank (90 day supply of both)

Small container of Fluon with Q-tip applicator

4 test tubes (16 x 150 mm)

4 PVA sponges (blue or grey)

1 blackout shield

10-20 live mealworms (about a 40 day supply for a young colony, less for a larger one)

Feeding tweezers

Large feeding dish

Connector vinyl tubing (3/8 inch OD; Capsule kits use 1/2 inch OD)

AntopiaUSA heat cable - temporarily out of stock until late September. The kit price is reduced while it is missing.

Why Camponotus discolor?

Camponotus discolor is a standout species for keepers who want a beginner-friendly colony with a premium look. Workers show beautiful red and black coloration, and early colonies are known for active foraging once established.

Important Identification Note

Camponotus discolor and Camponotus decipiens can look extremely similar. Your queen has been identified using collection data and visible traits such as malar hair presence. Either species is cared for the same way and can grow into an impressive colony.

Shipping & Live Arrival

All live ants ship from AntopiaUSA in Dalhart, Texas. Each colony leaves healthy and properly packed for safe arrival.

Approved Shipping States

Camponotus discolor may only be shipped to the following states:

Alabama · Arkansas · Georgia · Indiana · Kansas · Louisiana · Michigan · Mississippi · Missouri · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · South Carolina · Texas

Approved shipping states are listed above. If the species you ordered cannot be legally shipped to your state, we may substitute a comparable species of equal or greater value that we are approved to ship to your location, at our discretion. If we do not have a suitable substitute available, your order will be canceled and refunded minus a 15% restocking fee.

Live arrival guarantee: your colony is covered for 7 days from delivery. To qualify you must be present to receive the package, and you must contact us within 15 minutes of the delivery notification with clear photos or video of any substantial issue. We do not use signature confirmation, so please watch your tracking and don't let the box sit outside in heat or cold.

Every live ant order ships with heat packs or ice packs and an insulated box at no extra cost. These are always included in the shipping price.

We ship live ants Monday through Wednesday only, so no colony spends a weekend in transit. During peak season the most that should pass before your order ships is 5-7 days; in slower months it's typically 2-3.