Ant species are diverse insects belonging to the family Formicidae. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as soil aeration and seed dispersal. There are over 12,000 identified species, each with unique behaviors and adaptations. Ants live in structured colonies, which can range from a few dozen to millions of individuals. They communicate using pheromones and work together to gather food, care for their young, and defend their nests. Some well-known ant species include the leafcutter ant, fire ant, and carpenter ant.