Characteristics:

• Size: Ants vary in size, ranging from tiny species measuring a few millimeters to larger species reaching over a centimeter in length.
• Body Structure: Ants have three distinct body regions: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They possess six legs, antennae, and typically have a narrow waist, known as a “petiole.”

Behavior:
Ant behavior can vary among species, but they generally exhibit the
following characteristics:

• Social Structure: Ants are highly social insects that live in organized colonies with specific roles for different members, including queens, workers, and sometimes soldiers.
• Communication: Ants communicate through pheromones, which are chemical signals used for trail marking, nestmate recognition, and coordination.
• Foraging: Ants forage for food, often forming trails to efficiently locate and transport resources back to their colonies.
• Nesting: Ants create nests in various locations, such as soil, leaf litter, logs, trees, or even inside buildings.

Common Habits and Habitats:
Ants can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban environments. In South Florida, several common ant species may be encountered, such as:

• Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile): These ants form large colonies and often invade buildings, seeking food and moisture sources.
• Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): Known for excavating wood to create galleries for nesting, they can cause structural damage if left unchecked.
• Fire Ants (Solenopsis spp.): These aggressive ants build large mounds and deliver painful stings when threatened.
• Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum): Small and pale in color, ghost ants are commonly found indoors, nesting in wall voids, cabinets, or other hidden spaces.
• White-footed Ants (Technomyrmex difficilis): These ants form extensive colonies and often invade homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.