Scientific name of Ant

The scientific name of an Ant is “Formiciade” and its largest ant species is known as the “Giant Amazonian”. It represents an organism that has the “Iridomyrmex” genus and belongs to the order “Hymenoptera‘”. Given their apparent ability to act as a single, cohesive organism that cooperates to support the colony, ants are regarded by many scientists as “superorganisms.” In addition to their extreme adaptability, ants can live and prosper in practically any setting. They have consequently colonized every landmass on Earth.

They are related to the bees and wasps family. Ants are usually yellow, red, or brown and black. Within a colony, there are typically three castes, or classes: workers, males, and queens.

What is the Scientific name of Ant?

The scientific name of the ant is “Formiciade” and it belongs to the order “Hymenoptera” where 12000 species of ants have been discovered till now. An Ant is a small-sized insect that is mostly found in every region of the world except Antarctica. There are currently 12000 species discovered and they can lift weight 50 times more than their body. Ants have 21 subfamilies of which 17 are living and 4 are considered fossils. Over 300 genera of Ants have been identified by scientists across the globe. They communicate via pheromones and always move in a group to perform any of the tasks. A large Ant can grow up to 2.5 cm and a small Ant is only 1.5 mm in length! They are found in various parts of the world and have numerous species. Some of them are given below with their scientific names:

• Army ant (Eciton spp.)
• Black Garden ant (Lasius niger)
• Bullet ant (Paraponera clavata)
• Harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex spp.)
• Bulldog ant (Myrmecia spp.)
• Carpenter ant (Camponotus spp.)

Ant Taxonomy and its Importance

The scientific name of ant is governed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The taxonomical categorisation is important because:

1. It helps in the identification and classification of ant species,by increasing our knowledge about variants of ant.
2. Studying taxonomy makes it easy to recognize the ant species easily.
3. It makes it possible to research the complete birth cycle of ants.
4. It helps to recognize the biological connections and history behind every species of ant.
5. Taxonomy also helps in studying the effect of environmental disturbance on Ant colonies.

The table given below will explain the taxonomy in detail:

Taxonomic Rank	Category
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Order	Hymenoptera
Family	Formiciade
Genus	Iridomyrmex
Subfamily	Formicinae

Characteristics of Ant

Following are some of the characteristics shown by ants:

1. They are very hard-working and perform their tasks in groups. Hence, they are called ‘social’ insects.
2. Only the queen and males of some species of ants have wings.
3. They communicate through sound and touch.
4. Ants remain active during both day and night.
5. They have 6 legs, 3 joints, and one large head.
6. Queens ants are responsible for laying eggs.
7. Ants can easily take care of their younger ones.
8. They build their nest in underground soil or wood.

Geographical Distribution and Habitat of Ants

Ants can be found worldwide but not in Antarctica, and can remain in warm temperatures. They have a social organization and live in colonies as well. Usually, they carry their food in their mouth and then take it into their nest where they live, and that diet is variable which can be a plant-based food or can be carnivorous.

FAQ’s on Scientific name of Ant

1. What is the Scientific name of Ant ?

The scientific name of an Ant in the group is “Formiciade” and its largest ant species is the “Giant Amazonian”. It represents an organism that has the “Iridomyrmex” genus and belongs to the order “Hymenoptera'”.

2. Which type of ant is responsible for laying eggs?

Queens ants are responsible for laying eggs they can lay thousands of eggs, and contribute to the growth of colonies. whereas, worker ants perform various tasks within the colonies.

3. What is a Female Ant called?

A Female ant is called a worker or a queen. The queen ant is responsible for laying eggs wheras worker ant play role of survival and growth of young ones.

4. What is the Speciality of Ants?

The ant is one of the world’s strongest creatures in relation to its size. A single ant can carry 50 times its own bodyweight, and they’ll even work together to move bigger objects as a group!

5. Name any Two Species of Ant.

Two species of ant are Army ant and  Black Garden ant.