Camponotus cruentatus, commonly known as the red carpenter ant, is a species of large ant belonging to the genus Camponotus. These ants are typically reddish-brown in color and can grow up to 1.5 cm in length. They are known for their ability to excavate wood and create extensive galleries, making them important decomposers in forest ecosystems. Camponotus cruentatus colonies are typically found in dead or decaying wood, where they forage for food and tend to aphids for their honeydew.