Ant

Scientific Name: Formicidae (family)

Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae

Size: 0.75 to 52 millimeters (0.03 to 2 inches) depending on species and caste.

Ants are found worldwide in terrestrial environments including forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas.

Omnivorous; they eat a variety of foods including plant matter, seeds, nectar, fungi, and other insects.

Ants are social insects living in complex colonies. They exhibit sophisticated communication, division of labor, and foraging trails.

Benefits include soil aeration and pest control. Risks include stinging or biting, property damage, and food contamination.

Identified on: 6/19/2026