Ant
Scientific Name: Formicidae
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera, Family: Formicidae
Size: Generally ranges from 0.03 inches (0.75 mm) to 2 inches (52 mm), through most common household species are 1-5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Ants are found worldwide in almost every landmass and can be found in soil, wood, or within man-made structures.
Diet & Feeding
Most species are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nectar, fungi, or other insects.
Behavior Patterns
Ants are social insects living in colonies with highly organized structures including queens, workers, and drones. They communicate using pheromones to signal food sources or danger.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits include aeration of soil and control of other pests. Risks include structural damage (like carpenter ants), stinging responses (like fire ants), or contamination of food sources in homes.
Identified on: 1/13/2026