Carpenter Ant vs Nevada Dampwood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Carpenter Ant | Nevada Dampwood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Camponotus pennsylvanicus | Zootermopsis nevadensis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Formicidae | Archotermopsidae |
| Size | 6-13 mm | 10-18 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Western United States, from Montana to California |
| 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.
Nevada Dampwood Termite
A large dampwood termite found in mountainous regions of western North America. Colonies inhabit moist, decaying wood of coniferous and deciduous trees. The species is notable for its primitive social organization and flexible caste determination.
Did You Know?
Individuals in this species can change between worker and soldier castes depending on colony needs, showing remarkable developmental flexibility.