Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found almost everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica and a few remote islands. They build nests in a variety of places, including underground, in wood (e.g., carpenter ants), under rocks, in mounds, or even in homes (e.g., in wall voids, under floors, in cracks). The specific habitat depends heavily on the species.

Diet & Feeding

Ants have a diverse diet depending on the species. Many are omnivores, feeding on sugars (nectar, honeydew from aphids, sweet foods), proteins (other insects, dead animals), fats, and fungi. Some specific species are predators, scavengers, or even fungivores.

Behavior Patterns

Ants live in colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions. They are highly social insects with a complex division of labor among castes (queen, workers, males). They communicate using pheromones to signal food sources, danger, and trails. Workers forage for food and bring it back to the nest. Some species, like Pharaoh ants, will establish multiple satellite nests.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some ant species can be nuisance pests in homes, contaminating food. Certain species, like fire ants, can inflict painful, stinging bites. Carpenter ants can cause structural damage to wooden structures by excavating tunnels. Benefits: Ants play important ecological roles as predators of other insects, decomposers, and seed dispersers. They also contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling.

Identified on: 8/12/2025