Ant

Scientific Name: Formicidae (Family)

Order & Family: Hymenoptera, Formicidae

Size: Most ants range from 2 mm to 25 mm (0.08 to 1 inch) in length, depending on the species.

Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are highly adaptable and can be found in a vast array of habitats worldwide, from forests and deserts to urban environments. They typically build nests in soil, wood, or under rocks, and often enter homes in search of food and water.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods including sweets, fats, proteins, other insects (both living and dead), and plant sap (honeydew from aphids).

Behavior Patterns

Often found in large colonies, ants follow scent trails to locate food sources and communicate within the colony. They are highly organized socially.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some species can bite or sting, causing minor irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They can contaminate food and infest households and gardens. Benefits: Ants play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers, aerating soil, and controlling populations of other insects.

Identified on: 9/2/2025