Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Ants are social insects belonging to the family Formicidae within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. They live in organized colonies or communities, ranging from a few dozen to millions of individuals. Ants communicate and work together to gather food, build nests, and protect their queen, who is responsible for reproduction. These insects exhibit diverse behaviors, including foraging, farming fungi, and even engaging in warfare with other colonies. Ants play vital ecological roles, such as recycling nutrients, aerating soil, and controlling pest populations, making them important for environmental balance.