Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in nearly all terrestrial habitats, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. They typically build nests in soil, under rocks, in wood, or in human structures.

Diet & Feeding

Diet is highly diverse and species-specific. Many ants are omnivores, feeding on nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects, and dead animals. Some specialize in farming fungi or herding aphids for honeydew.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are social insects living in colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Colonies typically consist of one or more queens, sterile female workers, and male drones. They are known for their complex social structures, division of labor, communication through pheromones, and organized nest building. The bite seen in the image is likely exploratory or defensive.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some ant species can deliver painful bites (like the one shown, causing a small red welt) or stings. Certain species can be pests in homes, contaminating food. A few tropical species have potent stings. Benefits: Ants play crucial roles in environmental ecosystems. They aerate soil, disperse seeds, predate on other insects (including pests), and decompose organic matter.

Identified on: 11/18/2025