Quick answer
Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies built around one or more egg-laying queens. There are more than 12,000 known species, and together ants are among the most numerous animals on Earth. They communicate using chemical signals and can carry many times their own body weight.
Key takeaway
Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies built around one or more egg-laying queens. There are more than 12,000 known species, and together ants are among the most numerous animals on Earth. They communicate using chemical signals and can carry many times their own body weight.
Overview
Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies built around one or more egg-laying queens. There are more than 12,000 known species, and together ants are among the most numerous animals on Earth. They communicate using chemical signals and can carry many times their own body weight.
Biology
Ant (Formicidae) is classified as Insect with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.000005 kg; lifespan around Workers weeks to a year; queens up to 15+ years.
Ecology
Diet: Omnivore (varies by species). Habitat: Almost everywhere except the far poles. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Ant profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
Life in the colony
Ants live in cooperative colonies divided into castes. One or more queens lay the eggs, sterile female workers gather food and care for the young, and winged males and new queens leave to start fresh colonies. The whole colony behaves almost like a single organism, with each ant playing a role.
Communication and teamwork
Ants communicate mostly through chemicals called pheromones, laying scent trails that lead nestmates to food. By working together, ants can build elaborate nests, farm fungus, herd aphids for their sugary secretions, and even form living bridges and rafts with their own bodies.
Strength and diet
Relative to their size, ants are remarkably strong and can carry objects many times their own body weight back to the nest. Diets vary widely by species, from seeds and nectar to other insects, with many ants being opportunistic omnivores that take whatever food they find.
Habitat and range
Ants live on every continent except Antarctica, in deserts, forests, grasslands, and cities. Their nests range from small chambers under a stone to vast underground networks, and a few species build large mounds or live inside hollow plants.
Research notes
Figures for ants (Formicidae) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter ants in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Ant: Key Facts & Natural History?
Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies built around one or more egg-laying queens. There are more than 12,000 known species, and together ants are among the most numerous animals on Earth. They communicate using chemical signals and can carry many times their own body weight.
What is the scientific name of the ant?
Formicidae
What do ants eat?
Omnivore (varies by species)
Where do ants live?
Almost everywhere except the far poles
Are ants endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.