Camponotus americanus
This record describes Camponotus americanus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tan with a dark head. The abdomen may have mottling or a spot on it unlike the similar C. castaneus, that has a light colored head, and no mottling. Since these ants live in the soil, they aren't considered to be harmful pests.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Formicoidea
- Family
- Formicidae (Ants)
- Subfamily
- Formicinae
- Tribe
- Camponotini
- Genus
- Camponotus (Carpenter Ants)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found under rocks or logs.
Geographic Range
New England to Florida over to Texas.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus americanus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Camponotus americanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray
Frequently Asked Questions About Camponotus americanus
What is Camponotus americanus?
Camponotus americanus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Camponotus americanus?
7-10mm
How do you identify Camponotus americanus?
Tan with a dark head. The abdomen may have mottling or a spot on it unlike the similar C. castaneus, that has a light colored head, and no mottling.
Where is Camponotus americanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually found under rocks or logs. |
| Range | New England to Florida over to Texas. |