Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Carpenter Ant
A social ant with a great tunnel-system nesting colony.
Common Name – Carpenter Ant
Scientific name – Camponotus
Type – Insect
Size – 4mm- 13 mm
Habitat and Habit –
Carpenter Ant is a widespread species found in the forests of the world. These ants with defined skulls and antennae are seen in woods that are either decayed, moist or hollow. These woods become hollow because carpenter Ant can excavate and form passages known as ‘galleries’ in that wood for their movements.
You can spot a Carpenter Ant on your house windows, Roof, Porch and all possible moist woody areas.
Carpenter ants have their own Tunnel-system nest in the ground. Their food source is on the Trees and the ‘parent colony’ is a main resource around the satellite colonies.
The insect Scavenger –
Carpenter ants are Scavengers who forage at night. They help the ecosystem by scavenging on small dead insect bodies in their small world such as Honey bees. If they spot a dead Honey bee, the teamwork begins with a ‘worker’ carpenter Ant who extracts the honeydew part in dead honeybee and other ants help it to carry the extracted parts towards their nest.
These ants can also feed on sugary treats like syrups, and juices, if they get a chance.
They leave a pheromone (chemical) trail on the way toa food source for future reference.
Mating and Altruism –
Ants nest in high humidity.
The primary nest is of a Queen in the colony. Satellite nests consist of Larvae, Pupae, and some winged individuals.
Carpenter ants mate while flying. This is called a Nuptial Flight.
Carpenter Ants are social insects. They are Altruistic. It means they take care of their colony. They protect, care provide and pass strength to their nest mates. For example, they can provide immunity to their nest mates by regurgitating the consumed food.
Also See ⇒ Biscuit Beetle Facts