Ants are prosocial insects of Formicidae, which belong to Hymenoptera together with related wasps and bees. Ants evolved from wasp like ancestors in the Cretaceous, about 99 million years ago, and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. Of the estimated 22000 species, more than 12500 have been classified. Their cubital antennae and unique nodal structures that form slender waistlines are easy to identify.

The colonies formed by ants range from dozens of predatory individuals living in small natural caves to highly organized colonies that may occupy a large territory and consist of millions of individuals. The larger colonial landlords are made up of sterile, wingless females, forming castes of "workers", "soldiers" or other specialized groups. Almost all ant colonies also have some fertile males known as "drones," and one or more fertile females known as "queens.". Colonies are described as super creatures, because ants seem to operate as a unified entity to support colonies.

Ants have colonized almost all the land on earth. The only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and some remote or desolate islands. Ants thrive in most ecosystems, probably accounting for 15 – 25% of terrestrial animal biomass. [8] Their success in so many environments is due to their social organization and their ability to change habitats, tap resources and defend themselves. Their long-term coevolution with other species has led to imitation, resonance, parasitism and interrelationship.

Ant society has the ability of division of labor, communication between individuals and solving complex problems. For a long time, the similarity with human society has been the inspiration and subject of research. Many human cultures use ants in cooking, medicine, and rituals. Some species have been paid more attention because of their functions as biological pest control agents. However, their ability to use resources may cause ants to conflict with humans, because they will destroy crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), are considered invasive and settle in areas where they were accidentally introduced.