The Black Carpenter Ant is the largest ant in eastern North America, with workers reaching half an inch in length. It excavates galleries in dead and damp wood for nesting, occasionally causing structural damage to buildings when wood is moisture-compromised. Despite their size, workers do not sting but can deliver a sharp bite and spray formic acid into the wound.
Best time to see a Black Carpenter Ant
The best time to see a Black Carpenter Ant is April–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 35,094 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Carpenter Ant? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Carpenter Ant sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black Carpenter Ant? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black Carpenter Ant is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.