ANT

Ants are social insects of the family Formicidae which, together with wasps and bees, make up the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from wasp-like ancestors in the mid-Cretaceous 110-130 million years ago and diversified as flowering plants increased. More than 12,500 of an estimated 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their elongated antennae and distinctive knobby, narrow-stalked structure.

Ants form colonies ranging in size from a few dozen predatory individuals living in small natural cavities to highly organized colonies occupying large territories and consisting of millions of individuals. Larger colonies consist mainly of sterile, wingless females forming castes of 'workers', 'soldiers' or other specialized groups. Almost all ant colonies also have a few fertile males called 'drones' and one or more fertile females called 'brooms' or 'queens'. Colonies are sometimes described as superorganisms because the ants seem to operate as a unified entity, working together to sustain the colony.

Ants have colonized almost every stretch of land on Earth. The only places lacking native ants are Antarctica and a few remote, uninhabited islands. Ants live well in most ecosystems and can make up 15-25% of terrestrial animal biomass. Their success in so many environments has been attributed to their social organization and ability to modify habitats, connect to resources and defend themselves. Their long co-evolution with other species has led to relationships of mimicry, commensalism, parasitism and mutualism.

Ant societies show division of labor, communication between individuals and an ability to solve complex problems. These parallels with human societies have long been a source of inspiration and a subject of study. Many human cultures use ants in cooking, pharmacy, and rituals. Some species are prized for their role as pest control agents. But their ability to exploit resources can also bring ants into conflict with humans, as they can damage crops or invade buildings. Some species, such as Solenopsis invicta, are considered to be invasive species, easily accommodating themselves in areas where they have been accidentally introduced.