The major food of Camponotus detritus throughout the year was found to be honeydew excreted by aphids and scale insects present on the perennial vegetation in the dune habitat. This was supplemented by pollen, nectar, dead animal material and possibly bird and lizard faeces. Moisture was obtained from honeydew as well as directly from condensed fog water and occasional rain. The gasters of workers were capable of considerable distention, allowing them to take up from 48-84% of their body weight in liquid. Workers generally foraged individually, although recruitment to new food sources was sometimes observed. No food stores were found.