What Order Do Ants Belong To?

Almost all ants have simple eyes on the top of their head. They are also covered with an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton differs from the internal skeletal framework of vertebrates. This allows the ants to breathe through spiracles.

Ants are part of the order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, bees, and other insect species. Several Hymenoptera species are parasitic. Those that are predators attack other insects and disrupt the natural biological control of pests.

Ants belong to the Formicidae family. Some species build nests by tying leaves together with silk. Others build their nests in the soil under rocks. Some ants live in groups and host other insects as guests.

A colony of ants is composed of a queen, a group of workers, and a group of soldiers. The workers gather food for the queen and help care for the young. They also help construct the nest. Workers may forage in a group or in a line. Some ants have a nomadic lifestyle. They may move in zigzag motions or run in a straight line.

Ants have three small ocelli on their heads, which are good for detecting light levels and polarization. They are also used for acute movement detection.

Ants have a primitive nervous system. The nerves in an ant are like the spinal cord in a human being. They transmit signals through touch and chemicals. A colony of ants may consist of over 700,000 ants.

Ants typically consume fungi, seeds, and insects. Some species use nectar for food.