Carpenter Ant

Additional Insect Resources Identifying Insects Pictures of Insects Types of Ants

Carpenter Ants (Camponotus) are usually characterized as one of the larger types of ants in the United States, growing up to one-half inch in length.

About fifteen different carpenter ant species can be found in the United States. They all cause concern because of their nest building habits.

They do not eat wood, rather they gnaw at it to make space for their nests. Large colonies can do substantial damage to wood structures.

Three of the more common species are:

• Camponotus pennsylvanicus - black color ant predominant in the east.
• Camponotus modoc - multicolor ant predominant is the west. The pictue above looks like the C. Modoc.
• Camponotus floridanus - multicolor and predominant in Florida

When disturbed, carpenter ants do bite, however they are not particularly agressive.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels.