Black Carpenter Ant (likely worker)

Woodlands, forest edges, and often found nesting in damp or decaying wood inside buildings.

Omnivorous; feeds on honeydew from aphids, plant juices, and other insects. Indoors, they may seek out sugars and proteins.

Nesting involves carving out galleries in wood. They are primarily active at night and do not eat the wood they excavate.

Benefits include aerating soil and decomposing wood; risks include structural damage to homes if nests are established in building timbers.