The ants, Formicidae, are probably the most important family of soil insects due to their huge impact on soil structure [1].
Ants are numerous, diverse and widely distributed from Arctic to tropical ecosystems. Together, they are estimated to make up an average of 15-20 % of the total biomass of terrestrial animals [3]. They adapt to many different environments and ways of life. Ant colonies contain many species, even in desert areas. They are particularly important for soil structure in deserts and arid regions with low earthworm presence [1, 2, 3].
Ants have a significant impact on their ecosystems. Food varies by gender and species, where they can be carnivores or herbivores but are often omnivores. They have an essential role as predators of small invertebrates. Their activities reduce the presence of other predators, such as spiders and ground beetles. Ants are social insects and form and live in communities according to a structure of males, females (queens) and workers where communities can be relatively minor or consist of many thousands of individuals [1, 2, 3].
Ants are ecosystem engineers that move large volumes of soil, helping to increase the availability of nutrients from the soil, and many other species would disappear without them [4].
Ants fulfil vital functions in ecosystems, but they can also cause damage.
Key functions
● Natural pesticides
● Improving soil structure
● Important part of the ecosystem
Threat
● Exploitation
● Lack of adequate housing
● Overgrowth
Common species
There are over 10,000 known species in the world. Eighty-one is identified in Sweden. The correct number is likely considerably higher than 10,000, probably double, but many more still need to be determined [1]. The most common species in Sweden is the red wood ant. The two species critically endangered are the Strongylognathus testaceus and the Camponotus fallax [1].
Some species to discover in nature:
● Red Wood Ant (Formica rufa)
Wikipedia – Red Wood ant – Formica Rufa 
● Jet Black ant (Lasius fuliginosus)
Antwiki – Jet Black Ant
● Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
Atfakta.se – Black Garden Ant
● Black Slave Ant (Formica Fusca)
Artfakta.se – Black slave ant
● Yellow Meadow Ant (Lasius Flavus)
Artfakta.se – Yellow meadow ant
● Timber Ant (Lasius brunneus)
Artfakta.se – Timber ant
● Hercules Carpenter Ant (Camponotus herculeanus)
Artfakta.se – Hercukes Carpenter ant
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web – Ants – Formicidae
- Science Direct – Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry
- AntWiki – Ants
- UR Play – Animals that change the world – Ants
June 2023, TÄNKOM | Revised February 2024 RETHINK
