Camponotus
- proper noun
- Specialized
- The big fellow there, feeding on the smaller, red grease-eaters... ...is of a savage species called Camponotus vicinus Mayr.
Examples
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Researchers observed a colony of Camponotus ants building intricate tunnels inside a decaying tree stump.
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The large, black Camponotus ant is often mistaken for other ant species but is easily identified by its size and behavior.
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The Camponotus species is essential for maintaining the health of forest ecosystems due to its role in wood decomposition.
Synonyms
A large ant that lives in holes it makes in rotten wood and lays eggs there
A large ant that makes nests in wood and sometimes damages buildings
Compounds
- Specialized
A large ant that makes nests in wood and sometimes damages buildings
Surface Forms
Etymology
Camponotus comes from Greek parts often given as kampē 'bend' and noton 'back', which makes a picture of a big, curved ant; since these are the carpenter ants that tunnel and live in wood, the name points to their size and life in timber.