Ants

Ants are the most commonly found insect on planet Earth. There are an estimated 20,000 species worldwide.

In May 2009, Texas agricultural officials released a new species of the South American phorid fly, the natural enemy of fire ants, which turns fire ants into zombies, in an attempt to control the pest which does $1 billion in damage each year.Los Angeles Times: Latest pest-control attempt: Turn fire ants into zombies (May 15, 2009) National Geographic: PHOTOS: "Zombie" Ants Controlled, Decapitated by Flies (May 15, 2009)

The South American phorid fly (Pseudacteon obtusus) injects fire ants with their larvae. When the larvae mature, they attack and destroy ant brains, causing the ant to wander aimlessly. After two weeks, the ant's head falls off and a new phorid fly emerges.Los Angeles Times: Latest pest-control attempt: Turn fire ants into zombies (May 15, 2009) National Geographic: PHOTOS: "Zombie" Ants Controlled, Decapitated by Flies (May 15, 2009)

1. Kingdom: Animalia
2. Phylum: Arthropoda
3. Class: Insecta
4. Order: Hymenoptera
5. Suborder: Apocrita
6. Superfamily: Vespoidea
7. Family: Formicidae

The Ants body consists of three parts, the head, thorax and abdomen. They also have an exoskeleton, two antennae, six legs and powerful mandibles.

In every species there are three common types, the Queen, male drone workers and sterile female workers. Since Ants live in colonies, they are considered social insects. Ant colonies can be found in Ant-hills. These hills usually consist of sand, dirt or clay.

• Acrobat Ants
• Argentine Ants
• Big-headed Ants
• Carpenter Ants
• Crazy Ants
• Ghost Ants
• Odorous House Ants
• Pavement Ants
• Pharaoh Ants
• Red Ants
• Thief Ants