New York Carpenter Ant
Camponotus novaeboracensis
This record describes Camponotus novaeboracensis (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively shiny, large carpenter ant worker with distinctly red mesosoma is unique over most of its range. In the western part, where it overlaps with C. vicinus , the unkeeled clypeus and relatively shorter limbs are technical characters to distinguish C. novaeboracensis . Males are black and difficult to distinguish from related species. Color pattern of the mesosoma (apparent thorax), namely the contrast between shining black mesoscutellum and mainly red reminder, is typical for reproductive females of this widespread eastern Carpenter Ant species. -- Richard Vernier Colony enters diapause in the winter.
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
Wet wooded areas, bogs, edges of wetlands.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Specific name is Latin for "from New York."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus novaeboracensis. 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 New York Carpenter Ant (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , James C. Trager
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Carpenter Ant
What is New York Carpenter Ant?
New York Carpenter Ant (Camponotus novaeboracensis) is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify New York Carpenter Ant?
Relatively shiny, large carpenter ant worker with distinctly red mesosoma is unique over most of its range. In the western part, where it overlaps with C. vicinus , the unkeeled clypeus and relatively shorter limbs are technical characters to distinguish C. novaeboracensis . Males are black and difficult to distinguish from related species. Color pattern of the mesosoma (apparent thorax), namely the contrast between shining black mesoscutellum and mainly red reminder, is typical for reproductive females of this widespread eastern Carpenter Ant species. -- Richard Vernier
Where is New York Carpenter Ant found?
Habitat: Wet wooded areas, bogs, edges of wetlands.