Ants inhabit almost every corner of our planet. Beneath forests, savannas, and even urban landscapes, these real architects construct intricate anthills and subterranean cities that sustain entire colonies. Let’s explore the diverse habitats ants create, from towering domes to colonized trees.

In the dense heart of forests, Formica rufa ants erect dome-shaped anthills that blend engineering with functionality. These mounds often begin around stumps or fallen logs, using materials like twigs and leaves to construct an outer layer that retains heat. Sun-facing orientations accelerate warmth absorption, vital for nurturing their brood and cultivating fungal gardens. However, their prominence can attract threats—human activities, predatory birds, and rival ants pose constant risks.

 Other species take a simpler approach, constructing domes from earth, gravel, and sand. Over time, these materials accumulate near the nest entrance, forming a protective barrier. Smaller mounds may also be deliberately crafted to warm the brood, while lookout ants perch on grass blades, vigilant against potential intruders.

Both of these anthill types also have an underground part.

Beneath our feet lies a hidden world where ant colonies thrive, protected from predators and external elements. These subterranean cities are feats of engineering, each gallery and chamber meticulously carved to meet the colony’s needs.

Soft soil provides an ideal medium for digging, allowing workers to mold intricate nests at rapid speeds. The soil transported to the surface adds to the protective structure, while the hidden depths keep the colony safe from harm.

The soil acts as a natural insulator, capturing warmth vital for brood development. Ants position the queen’s chambers within these warm zones, creating the ideal environment for egg-laying. These subterranean refuges are not merely nests—They are fully functional ecosystems where other species coexist in symbiosis with ants.

 Among the most fascinating ants are the fungus farmers, such as leafcutters. Found in Central and South America, these ants cultivate fungi within vast subterranean networks. They transport plant material—leaves, twigs, and fruits—to feed their fungal gardens, which serve as both nourishment and habitat. The complexity of these nests rivals human-designed infrastructure, with tunnels designated for ventilation, storage, and traffic.

 Symbiosis takes center stage with myrmecophytic ants, which nest within specific plants like Tillandsia and acacias. These plants offer natural cavities that ants adapt into living spaces. In return, the ants protect their hosts from pests, showcasing a delicate balance between insect and flora.

Some ants like the carpenter ants opt for recycled living arrangements, inhabiting decaying trees or wooden structures. By carving galleries into these frameworks, they create discreet yet efficient nests. These opportunistic dwellings are striking examples of ants’ adaptability.

 High in the canopies of South Asia and Central Africa, weaver ants craft extraordinary nests by binding leaves together with silk secreted by their larvae. Species like Oecophylla and Polyrhachis dives display unparalleled architectural skill, constructing nests that also serve to protect host plants. Unlike most myrmecophytes, these ants create entirely unique structures that highlight their ingenuity.

Ants are more than insects; they are engineers, cultivators, and symbiotic partners. Their anthills, whether towering domes or hidden underground labyrinths, reveal their adaptability and sophistication. These structures are a testament to nature’s creativity and resilience, inviting us to appreciate the life diversity of our planet.