Camponotus caryae
This record describes Camponotus caryae (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
[OY] In the northeastern US, it is easily distinguishable from its congeners (nearcticus), but where it overlaps with C. discolor it is more difficult to separate and ID relies on coloration and the length of the types of malar setation (not great).
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
Geographic Range
Eastern and central USA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Camponotus caryae (Fitch 1855)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus caryae. 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 caryae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Oliver.Yung
Frequently Asked Questions About Camponotus caryae
What is Camponotus caryae?
Camponotus caryae is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Camponotus caryae?
[OY] In the northeastern US, it is easily distinguishable from its congeners (nearcticus), but where it overlaps with C. discolor it is more difficult to separate and ID relies on coloration and the length of the types of malar setation (not great).
Where is Camponotus caryae found?
Range: Eastern and central USA