Ants

Formicidae is the family that includes ants. There are at least 14,000 known Formicidae species worldwide. The potential number of species is closer to 22,000. There are more than 700 Formicidae species in North America north of Mexico, and at least 57 species in Minnesota (CCESR). They occur on every continent except Antarctica.

Ants are found in a wide variety of habitats. Most live underground and are seen only when foraging for food.

Adults are 1 ⁄32″ to 1″ in length. The second abdominal segment, sometimes the first two segments, forms a distinctive node or hump called the petiole. The antennae are elbowed, with a very long basal segment (scape), and the remaining segments held at a sharp, elbow-like angle to the scape. Queens and males are usually winged, workers are always wingless.