Workers are approximately 5–13 mm; queens are larger.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus japonicus
A widespread East Asian carpenter ant adapted to woodland and urban edges.
About this species
Camponotus japonicusMayr, 1866
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus japonicus is a large ground- and wood-associated ant found across temperate East Asia. Workers forage for honeydew and insects and often use tree bases, soil and decaying timber as nesting sites.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
East AsiaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
China, Korea, Japan and neighbouring parts of East Asia.
Woodland, forest edge, parks, gardens and disturbed habitats.
Mainly active in warm months; foraging may continue into the evening during hot weather.
Honeydew, nectar, carrion and captured arthropods.
Colonies contain polymorphic workers and are usually founded by a single queen.
What makes this species remarkable?
The species thrives in both natural woodland and human-modified environments.
Large majors use powerful mandibles while smaller workers perform most routine foraging.
Its seasonal cycle includes a cold-period reduction in brood development.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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