Many species are black, perhaps with some faintly grayish bands on the abdomen. They are quite large measuring 1/4 to 3/4 inch long. They can be distinquished from other 'black' ants by a single node between their upper torso and rear section. These can do great damage to buildings because even though they do not use wood for food, they hollow it out for nesting. This nesting can resemble the work of termites, but are distinguished by their entirely clean and almost sandpapered appearance.