Carpenter Ant Alate (Winged Swarmer)

Woodlands, gardens, and near residential structures, often nesting in damp or decaying wood, tree stumps, and occasionally wall voids.

Omnivorous, feeding on honeydew from aphids, nectar, fruit juices, and other insects; they do not eat wood but excavate it for nesting.

Alates are the reproductive members of the colony that emerge in 'nuptial flights' during spring or early summer to mate and establish new colonies. They are most active at night.

They provide ecosystem benefits as decomposers of dead wood and as a food source for birds; however, if they nest in homes, they can cause structural damage to wooden beams over time.