Ants

Definition

Highly eusocial insects of the family Formicidae (order Hymenoptera), characterized by geniculate (elbowed) antennae, a constricted petiole forming one or two node-like waist segments, and complex colony organization with reproductive queens, sterile female workers, and seasonal males. Ants are among the most ecologically dominant and species-rich terrestrial arthropods, occupying nearly every habitat and exhibiting diverse feeding strategies from predation and scavenging to obligate herbivory and fungus cultivation.

Etymology

From Middle English amte, emete, from Old English ǣmette, of uncertain origin; cognate with Dutch mier and German Ameise.

Example

Leafcutter ants (Atta spp.) harvest fresh vegetation not for direct consumption but to cultivate symbiotic Leucoagaricus fungi in underground gardens, making them among the few non-human organisms to practice agriculture.

Synonyms

• formicids

Related Terms

• eusociality
• Formicidae
• Hymenoptera
• petiole
• geniculate antennae
• worker caste
• Queen
• supercolony
• myrmecology
• myrmecophile

Usage Notes

In technical contexts, "ant" refers specifically to Formicidae and excludes superficially similar termites (order Blattodea) or winged ant-like wasps. The term "formicid" is preferred in phylogenetic or taxonomic discussions to avoid ambiguity with common-language usage. Ants are distinguished from other eusocial Hymenoptera by their wingless worker caste and metapleural glands, which produce antibiotic secretions.