Carpenter ants

Definition

Ants of the genus Camponotus (subfamily Formicinae), the most species-rich ant genus with over 1,500 described species worldwide. Despite the common name, only certain subgenera—notably Camponotus and Myrmentoma—excavate galleries in dead or decaying wood; many species nest in soil, leaf litter, or preexisting cavities. Colonies are typically monogynous or oligogynous with polymorphic workers, and they do not consume wood (unlike termites) but rather prey on other insects and collect honeydew.

Etymology

From the wood-excavating behavior of certain species, analogous to carpentry.

Example

Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the black carpenter ant, is a major structural pest in temperate North America, hollowing out moist, decaying beams and wall voids while foraging extensively outdoors for aphid honeydew.

Synonyms

• Camponotus

Related Terms

• Formicinae
• Polymorphism
• Monogyny
• honeydew
• structural pest
• galleries
• Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Usage Notes

The common name applies to the entire genus, though wood-nesting is restricted to particular lineages; species identification requires examination of worker caste morphology and pilosity patterns. Often confused with termites in pest contexts, but distinguished by elbowed antennae, constricted waist, and frass composition.