Camponotus caryae (Fitch, 1855)

(Fitch, 1855)

Walnut Carpenter Ant

Camponotus caryae is a of carpenter ant in the Camponotus, commonly known as the Walnut Carpenter Ant. It is native to eastern North America, with records from the eastern United States and eastern Canada, and has also been reported from Mexico (Nuevo León and Chihuahua). There are unconfirmed reports of its presence in parts of the western United States, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria. Like other carpenter ants, it nests in wood and is associated with hickory and walnut trees.

Camponotus caryae (Fitch, 1855) by (c) Raven Dandridge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Raven Dandridge. Used under a CC-BY license.

Camponotus (Myrmentoma) caryae var. essigi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Camponotus caryae (Fitch, 1855): //ˌkæmpəˈnoʊtəs ˈkæri.aɪ//

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Habitat

Nests in dead wood, particularly associated with hickory (Carya) and walnut (Juglans) trees. Primary colonies occur in decaying stumps, fallen wood, and hollow trees with high moisture levels. Satellite colonies may establish in moist wood of structures.

Distribution

Eastern United States, eastern Canada, Mexico (Nuevo León, Chihuahua). Unconfirmed reports from western United States, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria.

Host Associations

Carya - nesting association epithet 'caryae' refers to hickory ; nests commonly found in hickory wood
Juglans - nesting association 'Walnut Carpenter Ant' indicates association with walnut trees

Similar Taxa

Camponotus pennsylvanicusBoth are large black carpenter ants in eastern North America; C. caryae distinguished by association with hickory/walnut and subtle morphological differences
Camponotus chromaiodesSimilar size and coloration; C. caryae typically distinguished by tree preference and geographic distribution

More Details

Etymology

The epithet 'caryae' derives from the Carya (hickory), reflecting this 's close association with hickory trees