Ants of North America

Ants of North America are diverse insects found in various habitats, from forests to deserts. There are over 1,000 species, each playing important ecological roles as decomposers, predators, and prey. They live in organized colonies led by a queen, with workers caring for the young and gathering food. Ants communicate through pheromones and exhibit complex behaviors, including farming fungi and tending to aphids for nutrients. Some common species include the fire ant, carpenter ant, and leafcutter ant. Understanding their behavior and ecology helps us appreciate their role in ecosystems and their interactions with other species, including humans.