Exploring the hidden world of ants

Uncover the secret life of ants

Research, outreach, and learning resources about myrmecology for curious minds, students, and scientific teams.

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Signature species

Dive into species profiles to learn about their habitats, behaviors, and surprising adaptations.

Atta cephalotes

Ecosystem engineers that farm fungus in underground gardens across tropical forests.

Habitat: Humid forests and tropical woodlands throughout Central and South America.
Behavior: Build massive colonies with specialized castes and precise foraging trails.
Distribution: From Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia.
Diet: Leaf fragments used to cultivate the fungus that feeds the colony.

Solenopsis invicta

Invasive species known for its painful sting and rapid spread through disturbed habitats.

Habitat: Open fields, grasslands, and urban areas across warm climates.
Behavior: Highly aggressive and territorial; builds visible mounds and swarms when disturbed.
Distribution: South America, southern United States, Australia, and parts of Asia.
Diet: Omnivorous: feeds on insects, seeds, and human food sources.

Paraponera clavata

Renowned for delivering the most painful sting among ants and its role within rainforest ecosystems.

Habitat: Lowland rainforests throughout Central and South America.
Behavior: Maintains small nests at tree bases; defensive but typically forage alone.
Distribution: From Nicaragua down to the Brazilian Amazon.
Diet: Feeds on nectar, fruits, and small arthropods.