Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in almost all terrestrial habitats across the globe, from forests to deserts, urban areas, and even some aquatic margins. They typically live in colonies underground, in mounds, decaying wood, or within structures.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivores with diverse diets depending on the species. Many feed on nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects (both living and dead), and scavenged food. Some species farm fungi or herd aphids for their honeydew.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are highly social insects living in organized colonies. They exhibit complex behaviors including division of labor, communication through chemical signals (pheromones), nest building, foraging, and caring for their young. Some species can be aggressive in defense of their colony.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage (some species like carpenter ants can tunnel into wood), contamination of food, and painful bites or stings (especially from species like fire ants or bulldog ants). Benefits include aeration of soil, seed dispersal, predation of pest insects, and decomposition of organic matter, contributing significantly to ecosystem health.

Identified on: 11/26/2025