Ant

Scientific Name: Formicidae (Family level identification)

Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae

Size: Typically ranges from 0.75 mm to 52 mm (most common house/garden ants are 1–5 mm).

Found globally in diverse environments including soil, under rocks, gardens, and inside human structures.

Omnivorous; feeds on nectar, seeds, fungus, insects, and human food scraps containing sugar or proteins.

Eusocial insects living in structured colonies; communicate using pheromones to create trails for foraging and defense.

Benefits: Soil aeration and pest control. Risks: Can become household pests; some species can sting or bite to defend the colony.

Identified on: 4/26/2026