Ant

Natural Habitat

Ants are found in nearly all terrestrial habitats, including forests, deserts, grasslands, urban areas, and even some aquatic environments near freshwater sources. They often construct nests in soil, wood, or under rocks, and some species live arboreally.

Diet & Feeding

Ants have diverse diets, including nectar, seeds, fungi, other insects (both living and dead), and honeydew produced by aphids. Many species are omnivorous scavengers, while others specialize, such as leaf-cutter ants that cultivate fungi, or predator ants that hunt other arthropods.

Behavior Patterns

Ants are highly social insects living in colonies that can range from a few dozen to millions. They exhibit complex behaviors including cooperative foraging, division of labor (queens, workers, soldiers), nest construction, brood care, and communication through pheromones. Some species migrate or forage in distinct trails. The red mark on the image is indicative of an ant bite, which occurs when an ant, particularly one known for stinging (e.g., fire ants), bites and then stings to inject venom.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Some ant species, like fire ants, can deliver painful stings that cause localized swelling, redness, and itching. In sensitive individuals, multiple stings can lead to allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Ants can also be considered pests when they invade homes searching for food or nesting sites. Benefits: Ants play crucial ecological roles as decomposers, aerators of soil, seed dispersers, and predators of other insects, helping to control pest populations. Their activity contributes to nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem health.

Identified on: 9/5/2025