sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I went through my preserved specimens to choose one to stage today and my black Carpenter Ant looked as though it wanted me to choose it instead of some type of beetle so I agreed to stage it for a focus stacking session at 5X magnification. Of course these ants are quite numerous so collecting them does not take a lot of effort although they do bite when you hold them in a closed hand....I know!

Here's a bit about them should one care to know a bit more: Carpenter ants may establish nests in a number of different locations both outdoors and in our homes. These ants actually construct two different kinds of nests: parent colonies which, when mature, contain an egg-laying queen, brood and 2000 or more worker ants, and satellite colonies which may have large numbers of worker ants but no queen, eggs or young larvae.

They live up to their name "Carpenter" because they like to munch on wood that is preferably damp. When you find them in your home it may be a good indication that you have a water leak somewhere that is attracting them. Termites of course enjoy a good wood lunch however they leave behind a 'mud' that helps identify the difference between an ant infestation and that of termites.

Although large Carpenter Ant colonies are capable of causing structural damage, the damage is not normally as serious as that from termites.

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naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

Really nice, sharp stack. I've been following your work and you're posting really nice stacks along with great information. I haven't been active in quite a while so it's great to see all the new talent as well as the "old" regulars posting amazing photos. Thanks for sharing your quality, informative posts.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks ever so much. I'm entering my third year of retirement and I needed to find something to fill that void. It was the first of January cold and grey day after day. I picked up my camera and took an untold number of photos of our dogs to the point when they seen me coming with it the would run away.

That left me exploring macro photography of common items around the house like table salt, toothbrush bristles, match sticks, pins and needles...whatever I could find. Then I found some dead insects in the window sill of the sun room and that's what led me to where I am now....walking around in my pajamas taking staged magnified images of insects that I find around the yard.

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Another fantastic shot. If I discover carpenter ants in my house I'll need to lock up my power tools.🤣

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Excellent stack Gary.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for viewing and for the reply, JRiepe. And a special thanks for making me smile today.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Elliott. It's warming to know that you enjoyed seeing it.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Truly nice once again.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Kpmac. With all of the fallen wood from the storms down there so there will be plenty of free meals for them there.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

love it!!!!!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Beautiful!

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for viewing and for the feedback.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Mark. I always enjoy hearing from you.