Camponotus snellingi
This record describes Camponotus snellingi (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Malar area bare, bright red head and mesosoma, dark gaster with at least the first tergite flavate Author of the species - Bolton 1995
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
Common in the Southeastern USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus snellingi. 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 snellingi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Oliver.Yung
Frequently Asked Questions About Camponotus snellingi
What is Camponotus snellingi?
Camponotus snellingi is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Camponotus snellingi?
Malar area bare, bright red head and mesosoma, dark gaster with at least the first tergite flavate
Where is Camponotus snellingi found?
Range: Common in the Southeastern USA