Which ant species is less likely to cause stings?

Carpenter ants are less likely to cause stings primarily because they do not possess the same defensive behavior that is characteristic of more aggressive ant species, such as fire ants. Carpenter ants are known for their wood-destroying habits rather than their aggressiveness. While they can bite if threatened, their primary means of defense is not through stinging, but rather through their strong mandibles which they use to defend their colony.

In contrast, species like the Red Imported Fire Ant are notorious for their painful stings and aggressive behavior when their nests are disturbed. Argentine ants, while less aggressive than fire ants, can still inflict bites and may sting when threatened. Pharaoh ants are also capable of biting, though they are generally not as aggressive as fire ants, but they do have the ability to sting under certain circumstances. Therefore, the carpenter ant is the least likely to exhibit stinging behavior, making it the correct choice for this question.