Camponotus renggeri

Technical data sheet of the Camponotus renggeri ant

Scientific Name: Camponotus renggeri

Common Name: Carpenter ant

Taxonomic Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Family: Formicidae
• Genus: Camponotus
• Species: C. renggeri

Morphological Description:

• Size: Variable, ranging from 5 to 15 mm in length.
• Color: Mostly black with some reddish areas on the abdomen.
• Body: Segmented into head, thorax, and abdomen. The head is large compared to the rest of the body. Antennae are long and segmented.
• Mandibles: Strong and robust, used for manipulating food and defense.
• Eyes: Well-developed, usually black.

Habitat:

• Tropical and subtropical forests.
• Found in both arboreal and terrestrial habitats.
• Construct nests in decaying wood, under tree bark, or in the ground.

Geographical Distribution:

• Primarily found in South America, including countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
• Populations have also been recorded in regions of Central America.

Feeding Habits:

• Omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of sources including nectar, fruits, dead insects, and other small invertebrates.
• Can establish symbiotic relationships with certain plant species that provide them with nectar or protection.

Behavior:

• Social ants, organized into colonies with a defined hierarchy.
• Colony sizes can vary from a few hundred to several thousand individuals.
• Exhibit foraging behavior both during the day and night, depending on environmental factors and resource availability.
• Communication: Utilize a combination of pheromones and tactile communication to coordinate activities within the colony.

Ecological Importance:

• Play a crucial role in forest ecosystems as predators and decomposers, controlling insect populations and aiding in the decomposition of organic matter.
• Some species of Camponotus may also be important seed dispersers.