What are Ants?

Ants are six-legged social insects found almost everywhere on the planet. In North America alone, there are 455 species of ants, identifiable by their elbowed antennae and the distinctive node-like structure forming their slender waist. While most ants are wingless, some, known as Alates, have wings and can fly. Ants prefer cool, damp environments and typically live in large, complex colonies that can number in the millions. They construct various types of homes: some build simple mounds from dirt or sand, while others use small sticks mixed with dirt and sand to create stronger mounds that provide protection from rain.

Wide Distribution:

​Ants, social insects with six legs, are ubiquitous, being found across the globe. In North America alone, there are an astounding 455 distinct species, identifiable by their characteristic elbowed antennae and a distinctive waist formed by a node-like structure.

Diverse Habitats:

Ants exhibit a remarkable adaptability to various environments, though they generally prefer cool and damp locations. They construct diverse types of nests, ranging from simple mounds made of dirt or sand to more complex structures using sticks and soil for added durability, providing protection from adverse weather conditions.

Social Complexity:

Ants live in highly organized colonies, some of which can comprise millions of individuals. Within these colonies, they exhibit complex social structures and roles, with different members serving specific functions such as foraging, caring for young, and defending the nest.

Varied Diet:

Ants are omnivorous creatures, consuming a wide array of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dead insects. Their diet can also include other ants, depending on the species and availability of resources.

Reproductive Potential: The reproductive capacity of ants is staggering. A single queen ant, the central figure in the colony's reproductive cycle, can live for up to 30 years and is capable of laying millions of eggs during her lifetime. The development of these eggs into full adult ants typically occurs over a span of 8 to 12 weeks.