Camponotus subbarbatus
This record describes Camponotus subbarbatus (species). Recorded family: Formicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to Richard Vernier: Such a striped gaster is a hallmark for South-Eastern populations of this species of the subgenus Myrmentoma. This distinctive pattern makes it quite unmistakeable. Part of the Subgenus Myrmentoma
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
This is the common small carpenter ant of the shrub layer of mesic forests in eastern North America. It nests in moist rotting wood on or in the ground. [based on comments by James C. Trager]
Geographic Range
Southeastern US, Atlantic coastal states into New England, as far west as Iowa and Kansas.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin sub-"under, below, to a lesser degree"+barbatus- "bearded"
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Camponotus subbarbatus. 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 subbarbatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by ceiseman , Oliver.Yung
Frequently Asked Questions About Camponotus subbarbatus
What is Camponotus subbarbatus?
Camponotus subbarbatus is a species in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Camponotus subbarbatus?
According to Richard Vernier: Such a striped gaster is a hallmark for South-Eastern populations of this species of the subgenus Myrmentoma. This distinctive pattern makes it quite unmistakeable.
Where is Camponotus subbarbatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This is the common small carpenter ant of the shrub layer of mesic forests in eastern North America. It nests in moist rotting wood on or in the ground. [based on comments by James C. Trager] |
| Range | Southeastern US, Atlantic coastal states into New England, as far west as Iowa and Kansas. |