Ant
Scientific Name: Formicidae (specifically, a bite from an ant)
Order & Family: Hymenoptera, Formicidae
Size: Varies significantly by species, from 1 mm to 30 mm (0.04 to 1.2 inches). The image shows a small red mark, likely from a minor bite.
Natural Habitat
Ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica and a few remote islands. They build nests in soil, wood, under rocks, or within structures.
Diet & Feeding
Highly varied, depending on the species. Many are omnivores, eating nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects, and household scraps. Some species specialize in certain foods.
Behavior Patterns
Ants are social insects living in colonies with a queen, workers, and males. They exhibit complex social behaviors, including intricate communication, cooperative foraging, defense strategies, and division of labor. Bites often occur when they feel threatened or are foraging.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: While most ant bites are harmless and only cause minor irritation (like the small red bump seen), some species (e.g., fire ants) can deliver painful stings that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Ants play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers, aerating soil, predating on other insects, and dispersing seeds.
Identified on: 9/6/2025