Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica and a few remote islands. They build nests in soil, under rocks, in wood, or in human structures.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivorous, with their diet varying greatly by species. They can eat nectar, seeds, fungi, insects (both living and dead), and even human food scraps. Some species, like leaf-cutter ants, cultivate fungi for food.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are highly social insects that live in structured colonies led by a queen. They exhibit complex behaviors including foraging for food, caring for young, defending the colony, and communicating through chemical signals (pheromones). Different castes (workers, soldiers, queen, males) have specific roles. Some species swarm to establish new colonies.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some ant species can bite or sting, causing pain, itching, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Certain species can also become household pests, contaminating food or damaging property (e.g., carpenter ants). Benefits: Ants play crucial roles in ecosystems, including soil aeration, seed dispersal, pest control (by preying on other insects), and decomposition of organic matter.

Identified on: 9/6/2025