Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants can be found in almost all terrestrial habitats around the world, from forests and deserts to urban environments. They typically live in colonies in nests constructed in soil, wood, or under rocks.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivorous and their diet varies greatly by species. They commonly feed on nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects (both living and dead), and human food scraps. Some species farm fungi or tend to aphids for honeydew.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are highly social insects that live in structured colonies with a queen, male drones, and sterile female worker ants. They exhibit complex social behaviors including communication through chemical signals (pheromones), division of labor, cooperation in foraging, and defense of their colony. They are known for their strength and ability to carry objects many times their own weight. Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include painful bites or stings from some species (e.g., fire ants), contamination of food, and structural damage to homes (e.g., carpenter ants). Benefits include aerating soil, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and preying on pest insects, thus acting as biological control agents.

Identified on: 10/29/2025