Family overview
Elbowed antennae. Constricted 'waist' formed by one or two narrow petiole segments. Eusocial colonies with queens, workers (sterile females), and males.
Ants account for ~15-20% of all terrestrial animal biomass. Critical seed dispersers, predators, soil engineers.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial · Soil
Approx. species
14,000
Notable members
Leafcutter ants, fire ants, carpenter ants, army ants, harvester ants, Argentine ant, bullet ant (most painful sting)