How Many Ants Are in the World?
Ants are one of the most abundant species on Earth, with an estimated 10 quadrillion individual ants living worldwide. That’s more than all humans combined! Ants can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and they live in a variety of habitats from deserts to rainforests.
Where Do Ants Live?
Ants live in colonies that can range from a few dozen individuals to millions. Colonies are typically divided into three castes: workers, soldiers, and queens. Workers are responsible for gathering food, caring for larvae, and maintaining the nest. Soldiers protect the colony from predators and intruders. Queens lay eggs and are the only members of the colony that reproduce.
What Do Ants Eat?
Ants eat a wide variety of foods including other insects, nectar, honeydew (a sweet liquid produced by aphids), and even small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. Some species of ants also feed on plant material such as seeds or fruits. In some cases, ants will even scavenge human food scraps.