Information on Large Black Ants

A group of black ants.

Large black ants, as they are often described, are known as carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are among the largest species of ants and are found all over the United States.

Identification

Though they may vary in color, carpenter ants can be distinguished by their smooth waist and even thorax. Non-carpenter ants have a waist with two or more nodes and an uneven thorax.

Size

Depending on which caste the ant belongs to, carpenter ants can vary in length from 3/8" to 1".

Castes

Carpenter ants are divided into a caste system: queens, males and workers. In some species, worker ants may be divided into major and minor workers. Queens are often the largest, followed by major workers, males and minor workers.

Habitat

Carpenter ants prefer to nest in wood, particularly moist wood such as tree roots, stumps or rotting trees, logs or boards.

Misconceptions

Contrary to popular belief, a carpenter ant's diet does not consist of wood. They prefer food sources that are sugary or full of protein such as meats, syrups, honey, jelly, sugar and other living or dead insects.

References

• University of Minnesota: Carpenter Ants
• Successful Carpenter Ant Management without Pesticides
• University of Kentucky, Entomology: Carpenter Ants

Resources

• Carpenter Ants