Carpenter Ant
ExploreInsects
Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Carpenter ants are large black or reddish ants that love to chew on wood. They make their homes in dead trees and wooden structures.
Habitat: Wooded areas and buildings
Appearance
The Carpenter Ant has a robust, often black or reddish-black body with a distinct single node (waist) between its thorax and abdomen. Its large size, compared to many other ants, and lack of a stinger helps differentiate it. It also has a round, evenly arched thorax.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyFormicidaeGenusCamponotus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Carpenter ants often 'milk' tiny insects called aphids for a sweet liquid treat called honeydew!
If you disturb their nest, they might spray a defensive acid, which helps protect their colony!
Queens can live for an astonishing 15 to 20 years, making them tiny ant royalty!
They don't eat the wood they tunnel through; they just spit it out to make their cozy homes!
Special abilities
Ability
Wood Carvers
Carpenter Ant can tunnel intricate nests in wood using strong mandibles that help them create shelter for their large colony.
Ability
Sweet Tooth
Carpenter Ant has a love for sugary liquids, which helps them find energy-rich food sources from plants and insects.
Ability
Chemical Communicators
Carpenter Ant can leave invisible scent trails using pheromones that help their colony find food and navigate efficiently.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-35 mm
- Size
- 6-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-1095 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50000
Diet & Feeding
These omnivores enjoy sugary liquids and protein from other insects to fuel their busy lives.
Primary Foods
- Honeydew
- Insect parts
- Fruit juices
- Plant nectar
- Sweets
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Oleander aphid
Aphis nerii
They 'farm' aphids for their sweet honeydew.
eaten by
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Woodpeckers feast on carpenter ants from nests.
parasitizes
Cordyceps fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
This fungus turns ants into 'zombies' before killing them.
shelters
White Oak
Quercus alba
Builds nests inside dead or decaying wood from trees.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Black Carpenter AntWood Ant
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carpenter Ant's wingspan?
20-35 mm
How big is Carpenter Ant?
6-12 mm
How long does Carpenter Ant live?
365-1095 days
What does Carpenter Ant eat?
These omnivores enjoy sugary liquids and protein from other insects to fuel their busy lives.
Where is Carpenter Ant usually found?
Wooded areas and buildings
How does Carpenter Ant hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Carpenter Ant have?
6
How large are Carpenter Ant colonies?
50000
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
