Ant identification: Ant anatomy

Key to Identifying Common Household Ants

Quick tips to identifying ants—Ant anatomy

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What to know about ant anatomy

Correct ID is essential because different species require different controls.
Ants have 3 main body regions: head, thorax, and abdomen.
When identifying ants, it is important to know how to count petiole nodes and antennal segments.
Other structures, such as the eyes, thoracic spines, and gaster, are important when distinguishing ant species.

How well do you know your ant anatomy?

Try these quizzes.

Helpful identification tips

Ready to identify ants?

Key to identifying common household ants

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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