What are formed when a portion of a carpenter ant colony moves indoors while the main colony remains outside?

The formation of satellite colonies occurs when a portion of a carpenter ant colony relocates indoors while the main colony continues to thrive outside. This behavior is often driven by factors such as food availability, environmental conditions, or the need for protection. Satellite colonies serve as an extension of the main colony but are not independent; they rely on the outdoor colony for resources and continue to communicate and interact with it.

In the case of carpenter ants, these satellite colonies are particularly important for their survival and reproduction. They allow the colony to exploit new resources, such as food found inside human structures, without losing the benefits of the primary colony's established network. This behavior contributes to the persistence and success of carpenter ant populations, especially in urban areas where food sources can be abundant indoors.

Other choices do not accurately represent the behavior described. For instance, subordinate colonies typically refer to smaller colonies that are structured distinctly and operate more independently from the main colony. Satellite nests might imply temporary nesting sites without the continuity and connection that characterize satellite colonies. Temporary colonies suggest a more transient arrangement, lacking the established relationship between the indoor and outdoor sections found in satellite colonies. Understanding these nuances helps clarify the complex social structure of carpenter ants.