Carpenter Ant

Woodlands, gardens, and residential areas; nesting in moist or decaying wood such as logs or structural timber.

Omnivorous; feeds on honeydew from aphids, insect secretions, sugary substances, and other proteins.

Eusocial insects with caste systems. Often active at night; they do not eat wood but excavate galleries to build nests. They participate in nuptial flights involving winged reproductive members.

Benefits the ecosystem by aerating soil and decomposing wood. Risks include structural damage to homes if nests are established in building timbers, and they can deliver a painful bite but lack a stinger.