Workers are large and polymorphic, often around 7–14 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Camponotus sericeiventris
A shimmering canopy carpenter ant clothed in dense golden hairs.
About this species
Camponotus sericeiventris(Guérin-Méneville, 1838)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Camponotus sericeiventris is a large Neotropical carpenter ant with a distinctive silky, reflective covering. Workers forage on trees and vegetation, collecting sugary liquids and animal food.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Hymenoptera · Formicidae · Camponotus
Source checked · checked 2026-07-15
Central and South AmericaBroad documented localities — not a complete range map.
Central America and tropical South America.
Tropical forest, woodland edge, plantations and large trees in disturbed habitats.
Mostly arboreal and active during warm periods, often following trunk and branch routes.
Honeydew, nectar, fruit juices, carrion and arthropods.
Colonies nest in hollow wood or tree cavities and include polymorphic workers.
What makes this species remarkable?
Dense hairs scatter light and create the species’ bronze or golden sheen.
Workers often move high in the canopy, where their diet is closely linked to plant and insect secretions.
Large majors are powerful defenders despite the species lacking a sting.
Sources and scientific references
More photographs
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