Wood Ant: Characteristics, Habitat, and Reproduction

Among the many species of ants found in nature, wood ants are among the most common. Named for their ability to chew through wood to build their nests, these ants are often mistaken for termites. Although they are important members of many ecosystems, they can become a nuisance in human environments. In this article, we explore the characteristics, habitat, diet, and reproduction of wood ants, and offer practical, non-lethal methods for keeping them away from your home.

1. Key Characteristics of Wood Ants

Wood ants belong to the Camponotus genus, with Camponotus cruentatus being one of the better-known species. Like other ants, they have a segmented body structure and live in complex social colonies. Their most notable characteristics include:

• Large body size, ranging from 1 to 2.5 cm in length — larger than many other ant species.

• Distinct L-shaped antennae used for navigation and communication.

• High-set antennae bases, located on the lower part of the head near the clypeus.

• Lack of metapleural glands on their hind legs — a common gland in other ants that secretes antibacterial substances.

• Polymorphism: individuals within the same colony can vary in size, especially among worker ants.

• Coloration: most wood ants are black, but some may be brown or reddish.

• High diversity: over 1,000 species have been identified, each with variations in mandibles, clypeus shape, color, or head size.

2. Where Do Wood Ants Live?

Wood ants are named for their preference to nest inside wood, especially decaying or damp material. In the wild, they commonly burrow into:

• Fallen tree trunks and branches

• Tree stumps or rotting logs

• Hollow tree crowns or cavities in live trees

• Dead or dying plant stems

In human environments, they look for:

• Damp wooden structures (floors, roofs, frames)

• Attics, walls, or ceilings with poor ventilation

• Kitchens and bathrooms where humidity is high

Wood ants are mainly arboreal (tree-dwelling) and have a cosmopolitan distribution, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to their wide variety, different species are adapted to distinct ecosystems around the globe.

3. What Do Wood Ants Eat?

Wood ants are omnivorous, but they are particularly fond of sugary substances. Their diet includes:

• Honeydew produced by aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies

• Nectar from flowers

• Overripe fruits or sap

• Small insects or insect remains for protein

They forage both day and night, often using the same paths repeatedly, forming visible “ant trails” on walls, trees, or floors.

4. Life Cycle of Wood Ants

The wood ant life cycle includes four main stages:

1. Egg Stage

• Cream-colored, rice grain-shaped eggs about 3 mm in length

• This stage lasts around 24 days

2. Larva Stage

• Legless and helpless; solely focused on feeding

• Lasts approximately 20 days

• Fed and cared for by worker ants

3. Pupa Stage

• Encased in a protective cuticle during transformation

• Does not eat; lasts about 21 days

• Undergoes metamorphosis into an adult ant

4. Adult Stage

• Includes queens (fertile females), workers (sterile females), males (drones), and young princesses

• Each caste plays a specific role within the colony

The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about 60 days, though environmental conditions like temperature and humidity can affect timing.

5. Reproduction of Wood Ants

The reproductive process in wood ants can be broken down into two main phases:

Phase 1: Nuptial Flight

During late spring or early summer, new queens and males develop wings and leave the colony for nuptial flights:

• Males mate with queens mid-air and then die

• Fertilized queens land, shed their wings, and search for a suitable nest site

• In the beginning, the queen lays eggs and personally cares for the first batch of larvae

Phase 2: Colony Expansion

Once the first worker ants emerge, they take over the tasks of feeding and protecting the brood, allowing the queen to focus solely on egg-laying.

When the colony reaches around 2,000 worker ants, the queen begins producing new males and princesses, which will eventually leave the nest for future nuptial flights, starting the cycle again.

6. How to Repel Wood Ants Without Killing Them

While wood ants play a vital role in nature, their presence in homes — particularly in wooden structures — can cause significant damage. If you discover or suspect an infestation, here are eco-friendly and humane methods to deter them:

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Remove damp or rotten wood: Wood ants prefer damaged or moist wood for nesting.

• Seal cracks and crevices: This prevents ants from entering or nesting within walls or foundations.

• Keep your home clean and dry: Good ventilation and cleanliness can disrupt ant colonies and prompt them to relocate.

• Use natural repellents:

• Mix water with vinegar, lavender essential oil, or clove pieces and spray along ant trails

• Soak orange peels in water overnight to extract their aroma, then spray it in affected areas

• Store firewood away from your house: Prevents wood ants from moving indoors

• Keep kitchen counters free of sugary residue: Cuts off their food source

Ant Bite Warning: If bitten by a wood ant, it may cause mild pain or swelling, but it is not dangerous. Clean the bite area with soap and water to prevent infection.

If you'd like to learn more about ants and other wild insects, check out our Wildlife category for more educational content and species profiles.

Bibliography

Ayala, V., & David, A. (2018). Carpenter ants of the genus Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the urban tropical dry forest of Santa Marta Magdalena, Colombia. Bachelor's thesis, Universidad del Magdalena.

Iberian Association of Myermecology (n.d.). Genus Camponotus. Available at: http://www.hormigas.org/xGeneros/Camponotus.htm

animal tags： Wood ants