I have a Southern Catalpa approx. 40 yrs old and 50 ft. tall with a lot more dead wood and fewer leaves this year. High winds and much rain? I have seen what looks like red&black bodied ants on it's trunk. What kind of ants are they? There were Carpenter ants next door. What do Carpenter ants look like? If this is the problem; what can I do to save this great tree? Or, is this the natural end of it's lifecycle? Any input would be appreciated.

It is probably just the end of its life and the ants are there to feast on the dead wood. 50 years is a good long life for a catalpa.