What characteristic is NOT associated with carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are known for their behavior of excavating wood to create nesting sites, but they do not consume wood as a food source. Instead, they primarily feed on protein and carbohydrates, often foraging for sugary substances or dead insects. This distinguishes them from termites, which do consume wood as part of their diet.

The other characteristics mentioned are accurate for carpenter ants. They are typically black or bicolored and can indeed create satellite nests, which are secondary nesting sites located away from the main colony. The behavior of discarding wood shavings, which are the remnants of their nesting activities, is also associated with carpenter ants as they excavate the wood to form their nests. Understanding these traits is essential for proper identification and control of carpenter ants in pest management practices.