There are many different species of ants. Two common species that live in forests and surrounding areas are the black carpenter ant and the little black ant. Black carpenter ants are large and they dig tunnels inside wood to provide space for the colony. These ants feed on insects and also like things that are sweet. The little black ant lives in underground tunnels and can sometimes be found in the kitchen in search of food.
Ants can play an important role in forest ecology.
By digging underground tunnels, they help aerate the soil. The air can enter the soil and provide oxygen to the roots of plants and trees. Ants also carry decaying plant material below the surface. This helps recycle plant material so that it can be used to enrich the soil. Ants provide food for birds like chickadees, woodpeckers and blue jays.