Ant

Ants are eusocial insects in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.

Ants are eusocial insects in the family Formicidae, within the order Hymenoptera. They live in colonies with division of labour, usually including queens, workers, and males, and occur in diverse habitats worldwide except the polar regions.

Taxonomy

Ants belong to the insect order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae. The provided sources note historical or alternate classifications in some references, but modern descriptions consistently place ants within Formicidae.

Social organization

Ants are known for eusocial colonies with castes that divide labour. Colonies typically include workers, one or more queens, and males, and some species form very large or highly complex colonies.

Distribution and habitat

Ants are cosmopolitan insects found on nearly all landmasses. The sources describe them as present from colder regions to tropical environments, with absence from the polar regions.

Ecological role

Ants are described as major ecological actors because they hunt other small arthropods, disperse plant seeds, and move and aerate soil. These activities can affect ecosystem structure and functioning.

Anatomy and life cycle

Ants are small insects with a segmented body and antennae, and most workers are wingless while reproductive males and future queens may have wings. Like other insects, they undergo metamorphosis.