Nature Atlas

How Nature Works
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme

Switch Atlas

Taxa

Formicidae

Insect Families

Formicidae, commonly known as ants, is a family of eusocial insects that, along with the related wasps and bees, belongs to the order Hymenoptera. Over 13,800 of an estimated 22,000 species have been identified, distinguished by elbowed antennae and a node-like structure forming a narrow waist, and ants have colonized nearly every landmass on Earth except Antarctica and a few remote or uninhabitable islands.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Family 1
Scientific Name
Formicidae 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
13,800 1
Geographic Distribution
Ants have colonized almost every landmass on Earth; the only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. 1
Defining Characteristics
Ant colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers, as well as soldiers and other specialized groups, alongside fertile males and one or more fertile queens. 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Ants are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists. 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
In the Other Atlases
  • Also in Geography Atlas: Antarctica, found in there.
Sources
1. Formicidae (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Lead section, first sentence
    Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera.
  • Lead section, third sentence
    More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been described.
  • Second paragraph, first sentence
    Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth.
  • Second paragraph, third sentence
    Typical colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers (ergates), as well as soldiers (dinergates) and other specialised groups.
  • Lead section, fourth sentence
    They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ7386, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Formicidae
Wikidata Q7386, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.