What Do Ants Eat?
Understanding what ants eat allows you to select the most effective baits and attractants. Ant species have different dietary preferences—some prefer sugars, others proteins or fats. Using the wrong type of bait can render control efforts ineffective, prolonging infestations and wasting resources:
Behavioral Insight: Knowing ants’ dietary habits helps predict their foraging patterns, nest locations, and colony dynamics. For instance, sugar-loving ants tend to travel long distances for carbohydrate sources, while protein-preferring ants may forage near other insect populations or food waste. This insight guides both preventive and reactive control strategies.
Minimizing Health Risks: Ants can contaminate food and surfaces. By understanding their feeding behavior, you can implement hygiene practices to reduce their access to preferred foods, lowering the risk of contamination in homes, restaurants, and food-processing facilities.
Bait Optimization and Resistance Management: Effective ant management often relies on slow-acting toxic baits that workers carry back to the colony. Knowing what the ants eat ensures that baits are palatable, improving uptake. This also reduces the likelihood of bait rejection and helps prevent the colony from developing bait aversion or resistance.
Environmental and Non-target Safety: Targeting ant feeding behavior allows for more precise, localized control measures, minimizing the need for broad-spectrum insecticides that could harm beneficial insects, pets, or humans.
By identifying and controlling food sources, you can reduce recurring infestations. For example, sealing sugary or protein-rich food sources, cleaning spills promptly, and proper waste management can limit ant attraction and foraging success.
What Ants Eat
Ants have remarkably flexible diets, and what they eat depends heavily on their species and their role within the colony. Their ability to adapt to whatever food sources are available is a major reason they become persistent household pests:
- Sugars and Carbohydrates: Many ant species are strongly attracted to sweet, sugary foods. They will feed on spilled soda, fruit juices, candy, pastries, syrups, honey, and anything else that provides fast energy. Outdoors, they consume natural sugars such as nectar, honeydew from aphids, and sap.
- Proteins: Protein is essential for colony growth, especially for developing larvae. Ants will scavenge for meats, dead insects, pet food, and even greasy kitchen scraps. In the wild, they often act as natural clean-up crews by consuming other insects and small invertebrates.
- Fats and Oils: Some species, especially certain pavement ants and thief ants, are drawn to fatty or oily foods. Grease, peanut butter, nuts, and oily leftovers can be major attractants.
- Seeds, Grains, and Plant Material: Harvester ants and other similar species collect seeds and grains, while some ants chew plant material or feed on fungi they cultivate inside their nests.
- Water: Although it’s not “food,” ants require a consistent water source. Leaky pipes, condensation on appliances, or even damp wood can help sustain a colony indoors.
- Specialized Diets: A few species have unique food preferences. Carpenter ants, for instance, don’t actually eat wood—their damage comes from excavating it to build nests. They primarily feed on proteins and sweet liquids. Pharaoh ants often prefer greasy foods. Fire ants aggressively seek proteins. Leafcutter ants harvest leaves not to eat directly, but to cultivate a specific fungus they rely on as their main food.
If you're treating an infestation, understanding the diet of the ant species involved helps determine the right bait and control strategy, since matching the bait to the ants’ active food preference significantly improves success.
What Insects Do Ants Eat?
Ants are opportunistic predators and scavengers, so they’ll eat a wide range of insects depending on the species of ant, the season, and what food sources are available:
Do Ants Eat Other Ants?
Yes, some ants do eat other ants, a behavior known as intraspecific or interspecific predation. Intraspecific predation occurs when ants consume members of their own species, which can happen in situations of extreme stress, colony collapse, or when competing colonies are encountered. Interspecific predation, more commonly observed, involves ants hunting and consuming ants from other species as a source of protein. Many predatory ants, such as army ants and certain species of fire ants, actively raid other colonies to feed their brood, supplementing their diet with protein necessary for larval development. Additionally, some ants scavenge dead ants they encounter, even from their own colony, as a way to recycle nutrients. This behavior plays a significant role in regulating ant populations in ecosystems and reflects their opportunistic feeding strategies, highlighting that ant diets can be far more complex than simple sugar or protein preferences.
Do Ants Eat Aphids?
Yes, many ant species interact with and consume aphids, though the relationship is often more mutualistic than strictly predatory. Ants “farm” aphids for the honeydew they excrete—a sugary liquid that serves as a high-energy food source for the ants. In return, ants protect aphids from predators and sometimes even move them to optimal feeding locations on plants. While ants generally do not kill aphids for direct consumption, they may eat them if populations are high or if other food sources are scarce. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species: ants gain a steady source of carbohydrates, and aphids receive protection and assistance in dispersal. Certain aggressive ant species, however, may occasionally prey on aphids opportunistically, but this is less common than the typical tending behavior.
Do Ants Eat Bees?
Yes, some ant species do eat bees, though this behavior is generally opportunistic rather than a primary food source. Ants may prey on weakened, injured, or dead bees they encounter near hives or on flowers, and certain aggressive ants, such as army ants or red imported fire ants, can actively raid bee colonies. In these raids, ants often target bee brood (larvae and pupae), which are rich in protein and fat, making them highly nutritious. Adult bees may be killed or scavenged if they are trapped or otherwise vulnerable, but healthy adult bees are typically able to defend themselves. This predatory behavior can have significant ecological and economic consequences, especially for managed honeybee colonies, as ant invasions can disrupt colony health, reduce brood survival, and impact pollination efficiency.
Do Ants Eat Beetles?
Yes, many ant species eat beetles, either as predators or scavengers. Predatory ants actively hunt small or vulnerable beetles, including larvae, using their mandibles and sometimes venom to subdue them. Beetle larvae are particularly attractive to ants because they are soft-bodied and high in protein, making them an ideal food source for feeding the colony’s brood. Some ants also scavenge dead beetles, incorporating them into the colony’s diet. The interaction varies by ant and beetle species: while some ants specialize in hunting certain beetles, others opportunistically consume whatever beetles they encounter. This predatory and scavenging behavior highlights ants’ ecological role as both regulators of insect populations and nutrient recyclers within their habitats.
Do Ants Eat Butterflies?
Yes, ants do eat butterflies, but typically in very specific contexts. Ants rarely prey on adult butterflies because they are large, mobile, and often capable of flight, making them difficult to capture. However, ants frequently target butterfly eggs, pupae, and larvae (caterpillars), which are stationary and more vulnerable. Certain ant species, particularly aggressive or predatory ones, may invade butterfly nests or cocoons to feed on these immature stages, which are rich in protein and nutrients. Additionally, ants may scavenge dead adult butterflies if they encounter them. This predation is ecologically significant, as it can influence butterfly population dynamics and plays a role in the broader balance of insect communities.
Do Ants Eat Centipedes?
Yes, some ants do eat centipedes, though the interaction depends on the size and species of both the ant and the centipede. Small or juvenile centipedes can be vulnerable to predatory ants, which use their numbers, mandibles, and sometimes venom to overpower and consume them. Larger centipedes, however, are typically too fast or well-defended to be attacked by most ants, though exceptionally aggressive ant species—like army ants or fire ants—may take them down in coordinated group attacks. In addition to active predation, ants may scavenge dead or weakened centipedes, using them as a protein-rich food source for their colony. This demonstrates the opportunistic and highly adaptable feeding behavior of ants in their ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Cicadas?
Yes, ants do eat cicadas, but the context is important. Adult cicadas are large and fast, so they are rarely captured by individual ants. However, dead or weakened adult cicadas are commonly scavenged by ants, providing a substantial protein and nutrient source for the colony. Ants are more likely to prey on cicada nymphs, which live underground and are smaller or less mobile. Some aggressive ant species can locate and attack these nymphs as they emerge from the soil. This feeding behavior illustrates ants’ opportunistic and adaptable diet, as they will exploit both live prey when feasible and carrion when available.
Do Ants Eat Cockroaches?
Yes, many ant species eat cockroaches, making them important natural predators of these pests. Ants typically target cockroach nymphs or injured adults, which are smaller, slower, and easier to overpower. Some aggressive ant species, such as fire ants or army ants, can even attack healthy adult cockroaches in coordinated group efforts, using their mandibles and venom to subdue them. Ants may also scavenge dead cockroaches, feeding on the nutrient-rich bodies to support their colony. This predatory and scavenging behavior highlights ants’ ecological role in controlling cockroach populations and demonstrates their opportunistic, protein-focused feeding strategies.
Do Ants Eat Crickets?
Yes, many ant species eat crickets, using both predatory and scavenging strategies. Small or juvenile crickets are easier for ants to overpower and are often actively hunted by predatory species. Larger crickets may be attacked by groups of ants working together to immobilize and dismember them. Ants also scavenge dead or weakened crickets, incorporating them into the colony’s protein-rich diet. This behavior is particularly important for feeding larvae, which require protein for growth. Predation on crickets demonstrates ants’ opportunistic feeding habits and their role as regulators of insect populations in their ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Earwigs?
Yes, ants do eat earwigs, though the interaction depends on the size and species involved. Smaller earwigs or injured individuals are more vulnerable to predation by ants, which use their mandibles and sometimes venom to overpower them. Some aggressive ant species, like fire ants or army ants, may attack larger earwigs in coordinated groups, subduing them for consumption. Ants also scavenge dead earwigs, taking advantage of the protein-rich resource to feed the colony, particularly the developing larvae. This behavior highlights ants’ opportunistic and adaptable feeding strategies, as they exploit a wide range of arthropod prey.
Do Ants Eat Fleas?
Yes, some ants do eat fleas, although it is relatively uncommon and typically opportunistic. Ants usually target flea larvae or pupae, which are small, immobile, and easier to capture than adult fleas. Adult fleas are fast and agile, making them difficult for ants to catch, but if a flea is injured or trapped, ants may consume it. Certain aggressive ant species, such as fire ants, can exploit flea populations in areas where the insects are abundant. Like other prey, fleas provide ants with a protein-rich food source, which is particularly valuable for feeding developing larvae. This behavior reflects ants’ adaptability and opportunistic predation across a wide range of small arthropods.
Do Ants Eat Flies?
Yes, many ant species eat flies, using both predatory and scavenging strategies. Ants commonly target fly larvae and pupae, which are immobile and easy to overpower. Adult flies are more difficult to catch due to their speed and flight, but ants may prey on them if they are injured, trapped, or otherwise vulnerable. Some aggressive or large ant species, such as fire ants or army ants, can collectively subdue adult flies through coordinated attacks. Ants also scavenge dead flies, providing a convenient protein source for the colony, especially for feeding larvae. This behavior demonstrates ants’ opportunistic feeding habits and their role as both predators and recyclers within ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Grasshoppers?
Yes, many ant species eat grasshoppers, though the method depends on the size and species of both the ant and the grasshopper. Smaller or juvenile grasshoppers are vulnerable to predation by individual ants, while larger adults may require a coordinated attack by multiple ants to subdue them. Ants use their mandibles and sometimes venom to immobilize the prey before transporting pieces back to the colony. They also scavenge dead or weakened grasshoppers, providing a protein-rich food source for workers and developing larvae. This behavior highlights ants’ opportunistic and adaptable diet, as well as their important ecological role in controlling populations of other insects.
Do Ants Eat Millipedes?
Yes, some ants do eat millipedes, although the interaction is highly dependent on the size and species of both the ant and the millipede. Small or juvenile millipedes may be vulnerable to predatory ants, which use their mandibles and coordinated group attacks to overpower them. Larger millipedes are typically more difficult to subdue due to their hard exoskeletons and defensive chemical secretions, but aggressive species like army ants or fire ants can sometimes overwhelm them in groups. Ants will also scavenge dead or weakened millipedes, utilizing the protein- and nutrient-rich bodies to feed the colony, particularly larvae. This behavior reflects ants’ opportunistic feeding strategies and their ecological role as predators and recyclers in soil and leaf-litter ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Mites?
Yes, some ants do eat mites, though this behavior varies depending on the ant and mite species. Many ants are opportunistic predators and will consume small, slow, or immobile mites they encounter in soil, leaf litter, or on plants. Certain aggressive ant species, such as army ants or fire ants, can actively hunt mites when they are abundant, using their mandibles to grasp and subdue them. Ants also scavenge dead mites, incorporating them into the colony’s protein-rich diet to feed larvae and workers. While mites are not a primary food source for most ants, their consumption demonstrates ants’ flexible, opportunistic feeding habits and their role in regulating microarthropod populations in ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Mosquitoes?
Yes, ants do eat mosquitoes, though the feeding behavior depends on the mosquito’s life stage and vulnerability. Ants commonly prey on mosquito larvae and pupae, which are immobile or slow-moving in water or damp environments, making them easy targets. Adult mosquitoes are more difficult to catch due to their mobility and flight, but ants may consume them if they are injured, trapped, or dead. Predatory ants, such as fire ants or army ants, can opportunistically feed on mosquitoes when accessible. Consuming mosquitoes provides ants with a protein-rich resource, particularly valuable for feeding developing larvae, and reflects their opportunistic and highly adaptable feeding strategies.
Do Ants Eat Moths?
Yes, ants do eat moths, but the likelihood depends on the moth’s life stage and vulnerability. Ants commonly target moth eggs, larvae (caterpillars), and pupae, which are immobile or slow-moving, making them easier to capture. Adult moths are generally harder to prey on due to their ability to fly, but ants may attack them if they are injured, trapped, or dead. Many ant species, particularly aggressive or predatory ones like fire ants or army ants, will scavenge or actively hunt moths when available. This behavior provides ants with a protein-rich food source, which is especially important for feeding larvae, and demonstrates their opportunistic and adaptable feeding strategies in diverse ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Silverfish?
Yes, ants do eat silverfish, as silverfish are small, soft-bodied insects that can be easily captured. Ants typically target young or isolated silverfish, using their mandibles to kill and transport them back to the colony. Aggressive ant species, such as fire ants, can also prey on adult silverfish, though larger or more agile individuals may escape. Additionally, ants will scavenge dead silverfish, taking advantage of the protein-rich resource to feed workers and developing larvae. This behavior highlights ants’ opportunistic and adaptable feeding habits, as well as their role in controlling populations of other small arthropods in indoor and outdoor environments.
Do Ants Eat Slugs?
Yes, some ant species do eat slugs, but this usually depends on the size of the slug and the aggressiveness of the ants. Small or juvenile slugs can be attacked and consumed by ants, particularly by predatory species like army ants or fire ants, which use their numbers, mandibles, and sometimes venom to subdue the prey. Adult slugs are often too large or produce defensive mucus that deters many ants, but weakened or dead individuals may still be scavenged. Ants feeding on slugs provides a protein-rich food source for the colony, especially for developing larvae, and reflects their opportunistic and highly adaptable feeding behavior.
Do Ants Eat Snails?
Yes, some ant species do eat snails, but it is usually opportunistic and depends on the size and species of both the ant and the snail. Small or juvenile snails can be preyed upon by aggressive ants, such as fire ants or army ants, which use their mandibles and coordinated attacks to access the soft tissues inside the shell. Larger snails are generally too difficult for individual ants to handle, though ants may scavenge dead or weakened snails, feeding on the exposed soft parts. This behavior provides a protein- and nutrient-rich resource for the colony, especially for larvae, and demonstrates ants’ opportunistic feeding strategies and ecological role in recycling nutrients in soil and leaf-litter habitats.
Do Ants Eat Spiders?
Yes, many ant species eat spiders, and this is a common part of their predatory behavior. Ants typically target small or juvenile spiders, which are easier to overpower, though aggressive species like fire ants, army ants, or weaver ants can attack larger spiders, sometimes in coordinated group efforts. Ants use their mandibles, venom, and teamwork to immobilize the spider before transporting it back to the colony. They also scavenge dead or weakened spiders, providing a protein-rich food source for workers and developing larvae. This behavior highlights ants’ opportunistic and adaptable feeding habits, as well as their ecological role in regulating spider populations within their habitats.
Do Ants Eat Springtails?
Yes, many ant species eat springtails, which are small, soft-bodied arthropods abundant in soil and leaf litter. Springtails are an attractive food source because they are rich in protein and relatively easy for ants to capture, especially the slower or injured individuals. Predatory ants, including species like fire ants or army ants, actively hunt springtails, while other ants opportunistically scavenge dead ones. Consuming springtails provides essential nutrients for the colony, particularly for developing larvae, and demonstrates ants’ opportunistic feeding behavior and their role in regulating microarthropod populations in ecosystems.
Do Ants Eat Termites?
Yes, many ant species eat termites, and this is a well-documented predatory behavior. Ants often target termite workers and soldiers, which are slower and easier to overpower than reproductive termites. Aggressive species, such as army ants or fire ants, may launch coordinated raids on termite nests, using their numbers, mandibles, and venom to subdue large groups of termites. Ants also scavenge dead termites, providing a readily available protein-rich food source for the colony, especially for developing larvae. This predation plays a significant ecological role, as ants help regulate termite populations and influence soil and wood decomposition dynamics.
Do Ants Eat Ticks?
Yes, some ant species do eat ticks, though this behavior is generally opportunistic. Ants are more likely to prey on larval or nymphal ticks, which are smaller and slower, making them easier to capture. Adult ticks are larger, harder, and often attached to hosts, so ants rarely consume them unless they are already dead, injured, or detached. Certain aggressive ant species, like fire ants, may actively attack ticks when accessible, providing a protein-rich food source for the colony, particularly for developing larvae. This behavior demonstrates ants’ opportunistic predation and their role in controlling populations of small arthropods in the environment.
Do Ants Eat Wasps?
Yes, ants do eat wasps, but the behavior varies depending on the size and vulnerability of the wasp. Ants commonly target wasp larvae and pupae, which are immobile and easier to capture within nests. Adult wasps are more difficult to subdue due to their ability to fly and their stingers, but injured, trapped, or dead adults may be consumed. Aggressive ant species, such as fire ants or army ants, can sometimes attack adult wasps in groups, overwhelming them with coordinated bites and venom. Consuming wasps provides a protein-rich food source for the colony, especially for feeding larvae, and demonstrates ants’ opportunistic and adaptable predatory behavior.
Do Ants Eat Animals?
Ants often consume animals when they find dead or weakened vertebrates such as small lizards, frogs, or even tiny rodents. These carcasses provide a protein-rich resource that can be easily scavenged without the risks associated with hunting.
Larval and Juvenile Predation: Small, vulnerable vertebrate young—like hatchling birds or amphibians—may occasionally be targeted by aggressive ant species. The immobility and small size of these juveniles make them accessible prey for ants like fire ants or army ants.
Stress or Starvation Conditions: When typical food sources (insects, nectar, or seeds) are scarce, ants may expand their diet to include small vertebrates. Starvation conditions can drive colonies to exploit unconventional food sources for survival.
Raid and Ambush Behavior: Certain predatory ants, such as army ants, may attack small vertebrates during coordinated raids. These attacks are usually opportunistic rather than a primary feeding strategy, with ants targeting individuals that are isolated, injured, or otherwise vulnerable.
Scavenging from Predatory Events: Ants may also feed on the remains of vertebrates killed by other predators. By collecting and consuming flesh, ants obtain valuable nutrients without engaging in dangerous predation themselves.
When vertebrate tissue is consumed, it is often transported back to the colony to feed larvae, who require high-protein diets for proper development. This behavior reinforces the colony’s growth and survival during periods of abundant or opportunistically available animal matter.
Do Ants Eat Plants?
While ants are primarily omnivorous, which means they consume both plant and animal matter, the majority of ant species are not known for consuming plants as a significant part of their diet. However, there are exceptions, and some ants do consume plant material. Here's a detailed explanation:
Nectar and Honeydew: Ants have a strong association with plants, especially when it comes to obtaining sugary substances. They often feed on nectar from flowers, acting as pollinators in the process. Additionally, some ant species form mutualistic relationships with honeydew-producing insects like aphids and scale insects. They "milk" these insects for their sugary honeydew excretions.
Seeds: Some ant species are known to consume seeds. They might feed on ripe fruits and play a role in seed dispersal. In some cases, they help to plant seeds in their nests.
Fungus: Certain ants cultivate fungus in their nests. They use plant material, such as leaves or wood, as a substrate for the fungus to grow. These ants feed on the cultivated fungus, effectively making them herbivorous to some extent.
Plant Tissues: While not a common behavior, some ants may chew on plant leaves, stems, or other plant parts. This is not a major component of their diet but may occur in certain situations.
The primary plant-related activities of ants are often associated with their role in ecosystem services, such as pollination and seed dispersal. The consumption of plant material by ants is usually not as significant as their consumption of other food sources, such as insects and other small arthropods.
The specific dietary habits of an ant species can vary based on its ecological niche, and not all ant species consume plants as part of their regular diet. Their diet is often adapted to the resources available in their environment.
Do Ants Eat Grass?
Yes, some ant species interact with grass, but it is not typically as a primary food source. Most ants do not digest cellulose—the main component of grass—so they generally do not eat grass directly. However, certain ants, such as leafcutter ants, cut and collect grass or leaves to cultivate fungus gardens; in this case, the grass serves as a substrate for growing a fungal food source rather than being consumed directly. Other ants may occasionally gather small pieces of grass for nesting material or to access hidden prey among the blades, but they do not rely on it nutritionally. This distinction highlights that while ants may manipulate grass, their diet is primarily protein- and carbohydrate-based, rather than plant fiber-based.