What is the diet of a carpenter ant?

The diet of carpenter ants is primarily composed of a variety of substances, but they are particularly known for scavenging on dead insects. This approach allows them to obtain protein necessary for their growth and the health of their colony. While carpenter ants do have a secondary interest in sweets and can consume nectar or honeydew, their role as scavengers makes them opportunistic feeders rather than strictly relying on specific food types.

Carpenter ants do not eat wood itself, even though they may create their nests in decaying or rotten wood, as this material provides shelter rather than sustenance. They are not strictly herbivorous, as their diet includes animal proteins, specifically from dead insects, which demonstrates their adaptability in various environments. Understanding their scavenging behavior emphasizes their ecological role as decomposers and the importance of protein in their diet for colony maintenance and growth.