Carpenter Ant

Key Biology

* One node, erect and sharp
* Strong biting jaws
* Polymorphic
* 1/8 to 5/8 inch long
* Evenly rounded thorax
* 12 segments on antenna
* Circle of hairs on abdomen
* Color varies between species; black, black and red, red, yellow

Distribution

* Our largest ant. Workers usually of several lengths, with the size of the head varying considerable. Queens are often nearly an inch long. Several species live in the country. Sometimes they bite, but are not capable of stinging.
* Omnivorous-- sweet, honeydew, dead insects, food scraps
* Formic acid odor when crushed
* Moist wood, decaying wood, tree stumps, railroad tiles
* Landscape wood borders, heavily mulched areas, and firewood
* Under insulation, wall voids, under or near hot tubs, tree holes, hollow rods, attic eaves