Carpenter Ant vs Long-winged Fungus Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Carpenter Ant | Long-winged Fungus Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Camponotus pennsylvanicus | Macrocera stigma |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Mycetophilidae |
| Size | 6-13 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Carpenter Ant
The largest common ant in North America, excavating smooth galleries in dead wood for nesting. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but merely remove it to create living space.
Did You Know?
Injured workers that cannot keep up during colony relocations are carried by nestmates to the new site.
Long-winged Fungus Gnat
A delicate fungus gnat with unusually long antennae and slender patterned wings. It is often found in shaded damp woodland where it hunts small insects.
Did You Know?
Some Macrocera species have bioluminescent larvae, though less spectacularly than the cave glowworms.