Ant

Scientific Name: Formicidae

Order & Family: Hymenoptera (Order), Formicidae (Family)

Size: Generally 2 to 25 mm, depending on the species.

Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in almost all terrestrial habitats across the globe. They construct nests in soil, under rocks, in wood (both living and dead), and sometimes within human structures.

Diet & Feeding

Highly varied, including nectar, seeds, fungi, insects (living or dead), and honeydew produced by aphids. Many species are opportunistic scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are social insects that live in structured colonies. They exhibit complex behaviors such as caste division (queens, workers, males), cooperative foraging, advanced communication through pheromones, and building intricate nests. They can be highly territorial.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some species (e.g., fire ants) deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions. Certain ants can be nuisance pests in homes, contaminating food or damaging property. Benefits: Ants play crucial ecological roles as decomposers, seed dispersers, and predators of other insects, contributing to soil aeration and nutrient cycling.

Identified on: 10/12/2025