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What are Some Types of Ants?

Phil Shepley
Phil Shepley

There are 10,000 known species of ants, which make up the family Formicidae in the order Hymenoptera, and it is estimated that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 species that exist throughout the world. Various types of ants are often grouped by the many different ways that they live out their lives, for example by what they eat, how aggressive they are or how they colonize. These insects also can vary greatly in size, some being as small as 1/25 inch and others being over one inch long.

The size of the colonies also differ between the many different types of ants, with some containing a dozen ants and others that have over a million members. The structures of these colonies are very similar, however, usually containing at least one egg-laying queen and many workers. The jobs of the wingless female worker ants include building nests, searching for food, caring for the young, and defending the colony. The job of the male in most types of ants is simply to mate with the queen, and both the males and the queens usually have wings.

There are 10,000 known ant species and up to 20,000 or 30,000 species that exist throughout the world.
There are 10,000 known ant species and up to 20,000 or 30,000 species that exist throughout the world.

The first of the many types of ants that often comes to mind is the carpenter ant, which can grow as large as 1/2 inch long. These types of ants make their home in living or dead trees, and sometimes within decaying wood inside buildings. They feed on protein, sugar, living and dead insects, and human food supplies such as meats, sugar or jelly. Carpenter ants are incorrectly thought to eat wood, which they only displace as they dig through it and create tunnels.

The recipient of a fire ant bite may feel as though she has literally been burned.
The recipient of a fire ant bite may feel as though she has literally been burned.

Army ants are particularly aggressive types of ants that prey on spiders, insects, and other ants, and have an extremely painful sting although they are not usually hostile towards humans unless provoked. Most army ants can be found in tropical regions of the world, while a few species live in cooler climates in North America. These types of ants live in massive colonies that can contain several million members and live in temporary nests called bivouacs.

Worldwide, there are over 280 species of fire ants, another aggressive kind of ant that, in groups, can kill a small animal with their toxic sting. Mostly, however, fire ants feed on plants, seeds and other insects, and make their nests in the soil, sometimes constructing mounds that reach heights of over a foot high. Colonies of fire ants can begin with a single queen and expand to thousands of ants rather quickly.

Ghost ants are types of ants that got their name because their small size, light coloring and erratic movement can make them difficult to see. These ants are common pests throughout southern and central Florida and sporadically throughout the world, and are known to seek out sweet foods. Their colonies are highly mobile with several queens, and can be particularly difficult to get rid of.

Thief ants nest near and sometimes within the nests of other types of ants, and steal both food and larvae from them. They are highly adaptable when building nests and in the variety of food they eat, which can include honeydew, fruits, breads, dead animals and packaged foods. Thief ants travel along set paths and will often use electrical wires to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of ants found around homes?

Common ants found in and around homes include the Argentine ant, known for its supercolonies, the odorous house ant, which emits a rotten coconut smell when crushed, and the pavement ant, often seen in cracks of sidewalks. Carpenter ants, which can damage wood structures, and the invasive red imported fire ant, recognized by its painful sting, are also frequently encountered.

How can you identify a carpenter ant from other ant species?

Carpenter ants are larger than most other ant species, typically ranging from 6 to 12 mm in length. They are usually black but can have reddish or yellowish coloration. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood but excavate it to create nests, leaving behind telltale signs like wood shavings and smooth tunnels in wooden structures.

What is unique about leafcutter ants compared to other ant species?

Leafcutter ants are remarkable for their advanced agriculture, as they cultivate fungus gardens using freshly cut plant material. They have a complex social structure and are one of the few species that use tools, carrying leaves over their heads like umbrellas. These ants can defoliate entire plants, showcasing their significant impact on the environment.

Are fire ants really dangerous, and why?

Fire ants are considered dangerous due to their aggressive behavior and potent venom. A fire ant's sting can cause painful welts and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions. According to the USDA, their stings affect millions of people each year and can be especially hazardous to those with allergies, potentially leading to anaphylaxis.

What role do ants play in the ecosystem?

Ants are vital to ecosystems as they aerate the soil, recycle nutrients, and help control pest populations. They are also pollinators and seed dispersers, contributing to plant diversity. Their tunneling improves soil fertility and water infiltration, demonstrating their role as ecological engineers, essential for maintaining healthy environments.

How do ants communicate with each other within a colony?

Ants communicate primarily through chemicals called pheromones, which convey complex messages about food, danger, or the need to defend the colony. They also use tactile signals, such as touching antennae, and sound production through stridulation. This sophisticated communication system allows them to coordinate tasks and respond to environmental changes effectively.

Discussion Comments

bestcity

A type of ants, black wood ants, have an acid, rather unpleasant, they can spray when feel threatened. It can be rather painful.

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    • There are 10,000 known ant species and up to 20,000 or 30,000 species that exist throughout the world.
      By: Henrik Larsson
      There are 10,000 known ant species and up to 20,000 or 30,000 species that exist throughout the world.
    • The recipient of a fire ant bite may feel as though she has literally been burned.
      By: ronstik
      The recipient of a fire ant bite may feel as though she has literally been burned.