Ant

Soil, leaf litter, rotting wood, beneath rocks, and near or inside human structures worldwide.

Omnivorous; feeds on honeydew secreted by aphids, seeds, small insects, nectar, fungi, and human food scraps.

Eusocial insects living in structured colonies with division of labor among workers, queens, and males. Communicate via pheromone trails.

Benefits: Aerates soil, aids in decomposition, controls pest insect populations, and disperses seeds. Risks: Can become household pests, contaminate food, and some species inflict painful bites or stings.