Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in nearly all terrestrial habitats, including forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas. They often build nests in soil, under rocks, in wood, or even in structures.

Diet & Feeding

Ants are omnivorous, with their diet varying by species. They consume nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects (both living and dead), and human food scraps. Some species 'farm' aphids for their honeydew.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are social insects living in colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Colonies have a queen (or multiple queens), sterile female workers, and male drones. They are known for their organized foraging, complex communication (e.g., pheromone trails), and division of labor. Many species exhibit swarming behavior during mating flights.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include potential bites or stings (some species, like fire ants, have painful stings) and property damage when nesting in homes. Benefits include aeration of soil, pest control of other insects, and seed dispersal, contributing to ecosystem health.

Identified on: 9/6/2025