Camponotus atriceps, previously referred to as C. abdominalis, is a species of carpenter ant, endemic to the Americas. In the Amazon region, C. atriceps has been seen attacking colonies of stingless bees of the genus Melipona, especially M. flavolineata and M. fasciculata. It destroys hives and eats brood when food is low. Field research at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental in Brazil discovered that ants can be attracted to empty hive "trap boxes," offering an efficient non-chemical alternative for safeguarding managed bee colonies. Utilization of trap boxes in communal shelters of stingless bee colonies can serve as a non-chemical method for controlling tracuá carpenter ants (C. atriceps).
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Tropical Carpenter Ant 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 inaequalis
- Camponotus aegyptiacus
- Camponotus nylanderi
- Camponotus pilicornis
- Camponotus maculatus
- Camponotus semitestaceus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Formicidae
- Genus
- Camponotus
- Species
- Camponotus atriceps
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