Ants Belong to the Class Insecta?
Biological taxonomy classifies organisms based on similarity or evolutionary relationship. Ants are placed in the class insecta, a group of organisms that includes bees and wasps. They are classified into 17 subfamilies, with 334 genera. Some ants have a nomadic lifestyle while others stay in their colonies. They are often found around houses.
Ants belong to the Formicidae insect family, which is in the Hymenoptera order. They have an exoskeleton, which is an outer covering that provides a protective casing around their bodies. They also have mandibles, which are used to grab objects and carry food. They also have antennae, which are used to receive sensory information. They also have ocelli, which are small lenses that detect light levels.
Ants have three body parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The thorax is narrow and connects the head to the abdomen. There are two antennae on the head. Ants also have a prominent stinger. There is also a metapleural gland, which is a pair of clusters of cells that produces phenylacetic acid. This acid inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Ants are among the most common insects in the world. They have a life span of one to three years. They live in colonies, which can range from a few dozen members to over a million. They often live underground or under rocks. Some ants construct nests in wood. They are also found in leaf litter. Some species of ants use silk to join the leaves together to form a nest.