
Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants appear in the fossil record across the globe in considerable diversity during the latest Early Cretaceous and early Late Cretaceous, suggesting an earlier origin. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period, and diversified after the rise of flowering plants. 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 predatory individuals living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies that may occupy large territories and consist of millions of individuals. Larger 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. File:Blackants-bredcrust-tokyo-may2015.webm (video) Ants gathering food 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 most ecosystems and may form 15–25% of the terrestrial animal biomass. 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), are regarded as invasive species, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally.

Ant (Insect)

Original Pet Species Inspiration
for Original Pet Species Inspiration in Skylanders: Across All Creation DLC - Born to Be Wild
Suggested by tildeheart

Brain's attempted conquest of the Lowlands has had consequences far beyond that of the Lowlands' reach, as it turns out—the disturbances in Skylands' magical balance have caused Mt. Cloudbreak to erupt far earlier than it's supposed to, and the sudden influx of magic is causing strange phenomenon all across Skylands! And worse yet, Kaos has decided to take advantage of the chaos by filling Mt. Cloudbreak with Petrified Darkness once more, and now evil is spreading all throughout Skylands! A team of portal masters sets off to the Cloudbreak Islands to stop Kaos with the help of the Pet Masters, a group of heroes who gained the ability to form powerful bonds with Cloudbreak's wildlife... But as they venture on, they find that there may just be a mole amid their ranks... ‖ Fancast for a DLC expansion/side-story for Skylanders Across All Creation. Professional VAs only, no celebs. Role additions are for NPCs and villains ONLY.





