The workers take care of the work in the nest, including expanding the nest, food gathering, caring for the eggs and larvae, and defense of the nest Some ants vary in size and are divided into major (large) and minor (small) workers. Different castes have different responsibilities in the nest. Typical ant castes, from left to right: queen, winged male, major worker, minor workerĪnts live in colonies and are divided into different castes: workers, males and queens. The presence or absence of simple eyes (ocelli) on the head.Īn ant’s biology can also help identify them, such as where they are nesting and when they swarm (when females and males fly out of their nest).The number of segments in the antennae and whether a club (enlarged segment at the tip) is present.The presence or absence of spines on the back of the thorax.The number of nodes in the petiole and whether they are clearly visible or are hidden.These characteristics are important to help identify different species of ants, although they may not be easy to see: Size can help narrow down which ant is present but it is usually not enough to identify it without looking at other characteristics. Worker ants vary in size from as small as 1/20 inch long up to 1/2 inch long. Color can be helpful but is not always definitive for identifying ants. They can also be yellow, reddish, or black and red. Winged ants (queens and males) may occasionally be seen when they swarm.Most ants are workers and do not have wings.The petiole (actually part of the abdomen) has either one or two nodes (bumps). A constricted (pinched) area between the thorax and abdomen called the petiole.A pair of elbowed (bent) antennae on the head.
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