Formicidae

Definition

A family of insects within the order Hymenoptera, commonly known as ants, characterized by their eusocial behavior and complex colony structures.

Etymology

From Latin 'formica', meaning 'ant', combined with the suffix '-idae', used in taxonomy to denote a family.

Example

Formicidae includes a wide range of ant species, from the common black garden ant to the highly aggressive fire ant.

Synonyms

• Ants

Related Terms

• Hymenoptera
• Eusociality
• Colony
• Insecta

Usage Notes

Formicidae encompasses over 12,000 species of ants, known for their diverse and complex social structures and behavior.