Camponotus ocreatus
This record describes Camponotus ocreatus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very large major workers, among the largest Camponotus in the US based on worker size. US queens of Tanaemyrmex however are often slightly smaller than other species in the Camponotus subgenus, even in the largest species. Seems to be more dominant in the central parts of the range, especially in central and southern Arizona.
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
Ground nesting in soil
Geographic Range
CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX, south into Mexico.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus ocreatus. 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 ocreatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Steven Wang
Frequently Asked Questions About Camponotus ocreatus
What is Camponotus ocreatus?
Camponotus ocreatus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Camponotus ocreatus?
Very large major workers, among the largest Camponotus in the US based on worker size. US queens of Tanaemyrmex however are often slightly smaller than other species in the Camponotus subgenus, even in the largest species.
Where is Camponotus ocreatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ground nesting in soil |
| Range | CA, NV, AZ, NM, TX, south into Mexico. |