antlike

Antlike is an English adjective used to describe something that resembles or mimics an ant in form, behavior, or both. The term is formed from the word ant with the suffix -like and is commonly used in biology, morphology, and qualitative descriptions where a precise taxonomic term is not needed.

In biology, antlike or myrmeciform traits occur through mimicry or convergent evolution. Organisms classified as antlike may imitate ants to deter predators, to integrate into ant colonies, or to exploit ant-foraged resources. Antmimicry is seen in various arthropods, including some spiders (ant-mimicking spiders) and certain beetles and true bugs. These organisms often display a narrow waist, a slender body, and movement patterns that resemble the quick, deliberate way ants traverse terrain, though not all antlike species share all these features.

In taxonomy and field notes, antlike is typically a descriptive term rather than a formal grouping. The related scientific term myrmeciform or myrmecomorph is used for more precise technical discussions of ants and ant-like appearance.

In technology and culture, antlike can describe swarm-inspired systems and behaviors that imitate ants' collective problem solving, such as ant colony optimization algorithms or decentralized coordination in robotics.