Ant

Natural Habitat

Widely diverse; can be found in almost all terrestrial ecosystems including forests, deserts, grasslands, and human dwellings. They typically build nests in soil, under rocks, in wood, or even indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; diet varies greatly by species. Many consume nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects (both living and dead), and scavenge on human food waste. Some species specialize in specific diets, like leaf-cutter ants farming fungi.

Behavior Patterns

Highly social insects living in organized colonies that can range from a few dozen individuals to millions. They exhibit complex social behaviors including division of labor (queens, workers, males), communication through pheromones, building intricate nests, and foraging for food. Many species display aggressive territorial defense.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include property damage (e.g., carpenter ants tunneling in wood), stinging (some species like fire ants have painful stings), and contamination of food. Benefits include pest control (predating on other insects), soil aeration and nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal.

Identified on: 9/14/2025