www.small-beings.org
www.small-beings.org
Ameisen (Formicidae) sind eine Familie der Insekten innerhalb der Ordnung der Hautflügler. Sie kommen mit mehr als 14.000 beschriebenen Arten, und vermutlich 20.000–30.000 Arten insgesamt, in tropischen, subtropischen und gemäßigten Klimazonen aller Kontinente vor. Manche Arten stoßen auch bis in die subarktischen Zonen Sibiriens vor. Der größte Artenreichtum findet sich in den Tropen, in Europa kommen etwa 600 Arten vor, davon etwa 190 in Nord- und Mitteleuropa. Die höchste Biodiversität an Ameisen in Europa findet sich in Spanien und Griechenland; in Irland, Norwegen, Finnland und dem Baltikum findet sich die geringste Artenzahl Europas. Die ältesten fossilen Funde stammen aus der Kreidezeit und werden auf ein Alter von 100 Millionen Jahren datiert. Das Alter der Gruppe wird jedoch auf möglicherweise 130 Millionen Jahre geschätzt. In Mitteleuropa sind die Ameisen mit den Unterfamilien Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Ponerinae und Proceratiinae vertreten, wobei die Formicinae und vor allem die Myrmicinae den Großteil der Arten stellen.
Ameisen (Formicidae) sind eine Familie der Insekten innerhalb der Ordnung der Hautflügler. Sie kommen mit mehr als 14.000 beschriebenen Arten, und vermutlich 20.000–30.000 Arten insgesamt, in tropischen, subtropischen und gemäßigten Klimazonen aller Kontinente vor. Manche Arten stoßen auch bis in die subarktischen Zonen Sibiriens vor. Der größte Artenreichtum findet sich in den Tropen, in Europa kommen etwa 600 Arten vor, davon etwa 190 in Nord- und Mitteleuropa. Die höchste Biodiversität an Ameisen in Europa findet sich in Spanien und Griechenland; in Irland, Norwegen, Finnland und dem Baltikum findet sich die geringste Artenzahl Europas. Die ältesten fossilen Funde stammen aus der Kreidezeit und werden auf ein Alter von 100 Millionen Jahren datiert. Das Alter der Gruppe wird jedoch auf möglicherweise 130 Millionen Jahre geschätzt. In Mitteleuropa sind die Ameisen mit den Unterfamilien Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Ponerinae und Proceratiinae vertreten, wobei die Formicinae und vor allem die Myrmicinae den Großteil der Arten stellen.
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 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.
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.
This article provides information about ants, including their etymology, taxonomy and evolution, distribution and diversity, morphology, life cycle, and their relationship with humans. The word "ant" is derived from Middle English and Old English, while the family name Formicidae comes from the Latin word "formīca." Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera and evolved from a lineage within stinging wasps. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found on all continents except Antarctica. There are over 13,800 known species of ants, with the greatest diversity in the tropics. Ants have distinct morphological features, including geniculate antennae and a petiole. Their life cycle involves eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult stages. Ants perform ecological roles that benefit humans, such as suppressing pest populations and aerating the soil, but they can also become nuisances and cause economic losses. Some ants have toxic venom and are of medical importance, while others have cultural significance, such as their use in indigenous surgical practices and seed harvesting.