Ants

Family Formicidae

Carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Ants have a wide range of habits. Some are predators and others are scavengers on dead animals. Many ants feed on plants, fungi, sap, nectar, or honeydew. Many species will feed on stored food products and debris found in houses. Ants occur practically everywhere in terrestrial habitats and they outnumber (in number of individuals) most other terrestrial animals. Most ants nest in the ground. Some species nest in various plant cavities such as stems, nuts, acorns, and galls. Their habits and social organization are very elaborate and many studies have been made of their behaviour. They can be serious pests in houses, greenhouses and other places. All ants may bite and some have a painful sting. Ants are well known and familiar insects. They are black, brown, reddish or yellowish and either winged or wingless. The narrow connection between the abdomen and thorax has an upright projection.