Description

What do ants look Like?

Ants are part of the insect Order Hymenoptera, a group that also includes bees and wasps. Of the approximately 12,000 known ant species worldwide, only around 50 are known to be household pests. These ants are distinguishable by their three main body segments; the head, thorax, and abdomen—along with their bent antennae and lack of wings in worker ants. In contrast, termites, which have straight antennae and a thicker waist, are sometimes mistakenly identified as ants. Some other arthropods mimic ants as a form of defense, although these mimics are rare.

Identifying the type of ant can be challenging, as many species look similar at first glance. Close inspection with a hand lens or microscope may be needed to spot differences in their color, size, antenna shape, petiole (waist), and abdominal characteristics. Since different ant species have unique habits and food preferences that influence their response to baits and pest control methods, accurate identification is often beneficial. During mating seasons, reproductive ants (referred to as alates) may appear with wings, unlike the typical wingless workers, and shed these wings after mating. These distinctions help us understand and manage ants effectively within buildings.