Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.

Ants form colonies that range in size from a few dozen individuals often living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies that may occupy large territories with sizeable nest that consist of millions of individuals or into the hundreds of millions in super colonies. Typical colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers (ergates), as well as soldiers (dinergates) and other specialised groups. Nearly all ant colonies also have some fertile males called "drones" and one or more fertile females called "queens" (gynes). The colonies are described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.

Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth. The only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. Ants thrive in moist tropical ecosystems and may exceed the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals. Their success in so many environments has been attributed to their social organisation and their ability to modify habitats, tap resources, and defend themselves. Their long co-evolution with other species has led to mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic relationships.

Ant societies have division of labour, communication between individuals, and an ability to solve complex problems. These parallels with human societies have long been an inspiration and subject of study. Many human cultures make use of ants in cuisine, medication, and rites. Some species are valued in their role as biological pest control agents. Their ability to exploit resources may bring ants into conflict with humans, however, as they can damage crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) of South America, are regarded as invasive species in other parts of the world, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally.

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  • Wertheimer [any]
    ·
    2 months ago

    What's the roughest widely available toilet paper? I have a carnivore-dieted roommate I'd like to spite.

    • LeylaLove [she/her, love/loves]
      ·
      2 months ago

      Don't go for rough toilet paper, just cheap out and get 1 ply from Aldi. 1 ply is worse than any rough toilet paper.

      Will say though, trying to spite your roommate is risky shit, you live with them

      • Wertheimer [any]
        ·
        2 months ago

        1-ply problems can be solved by using significantly more, though. I'm willing to put my ass on the line here.

        • LeylaLove [she/her, love/loves]
          ·
          2 months ago

          As someone who has auto immune issues and is constantly shitting, I can say with great certainty that this is a false perception. Even with multiple layers, it's easy to push through any amount of 1-ply if there is any moisture added to it, even if you stack layers on top of it. Every piece of paper is extraordinarily easily saturated from any sort of liquid. If your roommate has a vagina, it's game over. If your roommate doesn't, their diet will give them liquishits and will soak through the 1-ply, getting it on their fingers