Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in almost all terrestrial habitats, from forests and deserts to urban environments. They build nests in soil, wood, under rocks, or within structures.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivorous, with their diet varying by species. They feed on nectar, seeds, fungi, insects (both living and dead), and household scraps. Many species forage collaboratively.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are social insects living in highly organized colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. They exhibit complex social behaviors including division of labor (queens, workers, males), communication through pheromones, and cooperative foraging and defense. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage (e.g., carpenter ants nesting in wood), contamination of food, and stings or bites from some species (e.g., fire ants) that can cause pain or allergic reactions. Benefits include aerating soil, seed dispersal, pest control (by preying on other insects), and decomposition of organic matter, contributing to ecosystem health.

Identified on: 9/14/2025