muurahais

Muurahais is the Finnish word for ant. Ants are social insects belonging to the family Formicidae, which is a subfamily of the order Hymenoptera. They are characterized by their elbowed antennae, usually constricted waist, and the ability to form colonies. These colonies can range in size from a few dozen individuals to millions.

Ants are found on almost every continent, excluding Antarctica. They exhibit a wide range of behaviors and adaptations depending on their species and environment. Many species are known for their industriousness, their complex social structures, and their role as ecosystem engineers, influencing soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Colonies typically consist of a queen, who is responsible for reproduction, and numerous workers, which are sterile females that perform tasks such as foraging for food, building and maintaining the nest, and caring for the young. Some species also have soldiers, a distinct caste of workers with larger heads and mandibles, specialized for defense.

Ants communicate primarily through chemical signals called pheromones. These signals are used for a variety of purposes, including marking trails, alerting others to danger, and recognizing nestmates. Their diet varies greatly, with some species being herbivores, others carnivores, and many omnivores. Their ecological significance is substantial, playing roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and as a food source for other animals.