Ants also are commonly associated with aphids and other honeydew producing Insects. The ants collect and feed on the sweet, sticky honeydew that these Insects excrete. In turn, ants protect these pest Insects from attack by lady beetles and other natural enemies. A winged ant. Note the piched waist, uneven size of wings, and the elbowed antennae.
Worker ants are similar in shape and color, but are smaller and lack wings.
A winged termite. Note the broad waist, equal sized wings, and the beaded antennae. Life History and Habits Ants are social Insects that live in a colony of many specialized ant types. Most ants are wingless workers. They gather most of the food, rear young and defend the colony.