Ant alate (likely Carpenter Ant)

Natural Habitat

Nests in moist or decaying wood, hollow trees, and sometimes structural timbers of buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on nectar, honeydew, other insects, and protein-rich food scraps.

Behavior Patterns

Alates are reproductive individuals that take flight during 'nuptial flights' to mate and start new colonies, typically in late spring or summer.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by aiding in decomposition; can pose a risk to homes by excavating wood for nesting, though they do not eat the wood like termites.

Identified on: 2/12/2026