Medium polymorphic workers with broad-headed majors.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus samius
An eastern Mediterranean carpenter ant named for the island of Samos.
About this species
Samian carpenter ant
Camponotus samiusForel, 1889
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus samius is an eastern Mediterranean carpenter ant recorded from Greece, Turkey and neighbouring regions. Workers forage in warm dry habitats for honeydew and animal food and retreat to protected nests during temperature extremes.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Formicinae · Camponotini · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Aegean and western AnatoliaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Aegean region, Greece, western Turkey and nearby eastern Mediterranean areas.
Dry woodland, scrub, rocky slopes, orchards and cultivated landscapes.
Often crepuscular or nocturnal in summer, with more daylight activity during cooler seasons.
Honeydew and plant liquids supplemented with carrion and arthropods.
Ground or cavity nests with minor, media and major workers.
What makes this species remarkable?
The species name is derived from Samos in the eastern Aegean.
Foraging schedules change seasonally with Mediterranean temperature.
Workers often exploit trees hosting aphids or scale insects.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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