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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Ants (Formicoidea) » Ants (Formicidae) » Formicinae » Camponotini » Carpenter Ants (Camponotus) » Subgenus Camponotus (Camponotus Subgenus Camponotus) » Eastern Black Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)
Photo#282848
What ant ? - Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Copyright © 2009 Cathy Wilson

What ant ? - Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Loudonville, Ashland County, Ohio, USA
May 31, 2009
Size: Tiny
I was hosing down the deck and this ant seemed to be disoriented. Did I wash away his scent trail? He's clamboring across the hose in this pix. I didn't know ants ate other critters. I'm really curious as to what this is. Thanks!
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Contributed by Cathy Wilson on 1 June, 2009 - 9:48pm
Last updated 24 June, 2009 - 4:38pm

Camponotus pennslyvanicus
Its Camponotus pennslyvanicus. The carpenter ant, but I wouldn't worry about them nesting in your house because they prefer damaged wood like tree limbs and firewood. She probably was just scared, these ants have very good eye sight and tend to sit still when they see you coming then run if they feel in danger.
… Ant Catcher11, 2 June, 2009 - 3:01pm login or register to post comments

 
But is she carrying something formerly alive?
I am a little concerned though, because earlier this year there were several in upstairs bathrooms :0(
… Cathy Wilson, 2 June, 2009 - 3:14pm login or register to post comments

 
Well, yes
Ants eat 3 things, sugary substances, seeds and parts of plants, and other insects. They need the insects to feed their larvae. Larvae need protein to make the muscles that they ant has in its body for the rest of its life. They tend to scavenge a little more then hunt, but they can do both and prefer soft bodied insects like caterpillars.
… Ant Catcher11, 2 June, 2009 - 7:17pm login or register to post comments

 
OK. I'm on board.
It seems the closer you look, the more you realize - it's a jungle out there ;0D Thanks, AntCatcher!
P.S. You must be a great fan of E.O.Wilson.
… Cathy Wilson, 2 June, 2009 - 7:27pm login or register to post comments

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