Camponotus festinatus is a species of carpenter ant that is typically found in the Southwestern United States and northern reaches of Mexico. It is most commonly found around Tucson, Arizona. It lives in the semi-dead branches of palo verde trees found in the area. Camponotus festinatus is an exclusively liquid feeder. These ants can only feed on sap from trees or the juices of a deceased animal. Like most ants, their diet is primarily sugar with some protein. Camponotus festinatus ants are not known to be aggressive except towards other ants. Soldiers will prefer to run from humans rather than be aggressive. In principle, these ants can bite with their mandibles.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Camponotus festinatus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Camponotus fragilis
- Camponotus mystaceus
- Camponotus variegatus
- Camponotus zonatus
- Camponotus maculatus
- Camponotus castaneus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Formicidae
- Genus
- Camponotus
- Species
- Camponotus festinatus
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