Bug Identifier
Ant
Community identification

Ant

Formicidae

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
Size
0.75 to 52 millimeters (0.03 to 2.0 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Worldwide in almost every terrestrial ecosystem; found in soil, plants, rotting wood, and urban structures

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers eating nectar, seeds, fungus, or other insects depending on the specific genus

Behavior Patterns

Highly social insects living in organized colonies with specialized roles (queen, workers, drones) and complex communication via pheromones

Risks & Benefits

Benefits include aeration of soil and biological pest control; risks include potential for bites/stings and being invasive house pests