Workers are polymorphic, commonly about 6–13 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus rufipes
A red-legged carpenter ant that builds conspicuous nests from plant fibres.
About this species
Camponotus rufipes(Fabricius, 1775)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus rufipes is a widespread South American carpenter ant. Colonies nest in soil or protected plant-fibre structures, and workers forage for honeydew and animal food on vegetation and the ground.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
South AmericaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Tropical and subtropical South America, especially Brazil and neighbouring countries.
Forest edge, savanna, plantations and disturbed tropical habitats.
Workers can be active day and night, with activity influenced by temperature and humidity.
Honeydew, nectar, plant exudates and arthropod material.
Colonies contain polymorphic workers and may occupy soil nests or conspicuous structures incorporating dry plant material.
What makes this species remarkable?
Nest walls are built from processed plant fibres mixed with soil and secretions.
Workers can recruit strongly to carbohydrate sources.
The species interacts frequently with sap-feeding insects that provide honeydew.