Workers vary widely in size; majors have broad heads.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus maculatus
A widespread tropical carpenter ant represented by a complex of regional forms.
About this species
Camponotus maculatus(Fabricius, 1782)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus maculatus is a large, variable carpenter ant recorded across broad parts of Africa and other Old World tropical regions. Because the name has been applied to several regional forms, local identification should be treated carefully.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Africa and parts of the Old World tropicsBroad records associated with the current species name; regional taxonomy may require refinement.
Extensive African range, with records from adjacent tropical regions; some populations belong to closely related forms.
Savanna, woodland, dry forest, scrub and disturbed ground.
Usually forages on the ground and vegetation during warm periods, often continuing after sunset.
Honeydew, nectar, carrion and arthropod prey.
Polymorphic colonies nest in soil, wood or protected cavities depending on local conditions.
What makes this species remarkable?
The species name has a long taxonomic history and has sometimes been used broadly for similar-looking populations.
Colour and body proportions can vary substantially across its geographic range.
Like other Camponotus, workers lack a functional sting and defend themselves with mandibles and formic acid.