Ant

Widely varied, including forests, grasslands, deserts, urban areas, and homes. They often build nests in soil, wood, or under rocks/pavements.

Omnivorous; diet varies greatly by species. Many eat nectar, seeds, fungi, or insects. Some are scavengers, while others farm fungi or tend aphids for honeydew.

Ants are highly social insects living in colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Colonies have a queen (or queens), workers, and males. Workers forage for food, care for the young, and defend the colony. They communicate primarily through pheromones.

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