
Community identification
Carpenter Ant (Queen/Dealata)
Camponotus species
- Order & Family
- Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
- Size
- 15mm to 20mm (Queens)
Natural Habitat
Nests in moist, decaying wood, tree hollows, or within structural lumber in human homes.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist scavengers; consume honeydew from aphids, plant juices, and other insects.
Behavior Patterns
Queens shed their wings after a nuptial flight to seek a nesting site and establish a new colony. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular.
Risks & Benefits
Potential structural pest naturally inclined to excavate wood; however, they benefit ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of dead timber.