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 Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionAnts have colonized almost every landmass on Earth; the only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. 1 Defining CharacteristicsAnt 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 AppearanceAnts are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists. 1 Classification
Living or Extinct Connections
Parent Taxon Of
Source GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Dorylus
Source GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Oecophylla
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Formicidae (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead 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
Ant (Wikipedia)
In Group: Ant and Bee Families (Hymenoptera), LeadQuote, In Group: Ant and Bee Families (Hymenoptera), Lead
Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera.
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Oecophylla
GBIF Backbone TaxonomyParent Taxon Of: Weaver Ant (Oecophylla), Taxon recordQuote, Parent Taxon Of: Weaver Ant (Oecophylla), Taxon record
"family": "Formicidae"
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Dorylus
GBIF Backbone TaxonomyParent Taxon Of: Driver Ant (Dorylus), Taxon recordQuote, Parent Taxon Of: Driver Ant (Dorylus), Taxon record
"family": "Formicidae"
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