Ant

Natural Habitat

Highly adaptable, found in nearly all terrestrial habitats worldwide, from forests and deserts to urban environments. They often build nests in soil, under rocks, in wood, or even in buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Highly varied, depending on the species. Many are omnivores, feeding on plants, fungi, carrion, and other insects. Some specialize in seeds (harvester ants), sap (aphid herders), or fungus grown in their nests (leaf-cutter ants).

Behavior Patterns

Ants are highly social insects living in colonies ranging from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Colonies typically consist of one or more queens, many sterile female workers, and reproductive males. They demonstrate complex social behaviors including division of labor, communication through pheromones, and cooperative foraging. Some species bite or sting as a defense mechanism.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some species, like fire ants, can deliver painful stings that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They can also become pests in homes, contaminating food or damaging structures. Benefits: Ants play crucial roles in ecosystems, including soil aeration, seed dispersal, pest control (by preying on other insects), and decomposition.

Identified on: 9/6/2025