Carpenter Ant Alate (Winged Queen/Drone)

Commonly found in moist or decaying wood, forests, and occasionally inside homes near moisture sources.

Omnivorous; they consume proteins such as other insects and carbohydrates like honeydew, nectar, and household sweets.

Winged alates emerge during nuptial flights to mate and establish new colonies. They do not eat wood but excavate it to build nests.

Can cause structural damage to buildings if nests are established in wood; ecologically beneficial for wood decomposition and as a food source for other animals.