Nests and Social Classes

[New2Ants]

What are the main parts/ chambers of an ant nest (and their purpose) and what are the main types of ants in an ant nest (example: minor worker, major worker, soldier, queen, ect.). Thanks!!!

[Camponotus]

The main nest rooms (from what iv'e observed) include the Queen's room, multiple brood rooms, sometimes a worker hangout room, and of course the passages between those rooms. As for types of ants in the nest, it varies by species, with some species having many types and some having few. This is called polymorphism, and all ants have what is called Queen- Worker dimorphism (having a queen). Some ants (like Camponotus) have Worker- Caste dimorphism, which means workers have different castes and jobs in the nest. In all ants, here is a list of ant Castes (some species don't have all of these, but a mixture).

Minor- A smaller ant which almost never goes outside, but stays inside to care for brood.
Worker- An all around worker that can do almost any job and has little specialty.
Submajor- A smaller major which is almost like an overgrown worker.
Major- A large worker ant, with the job of defending the colony, guarding the colony, and working with large meals
that the worker ants can't handle.
Supermajor- A large Major, with a similar job. When moving the colony, minors will sometimes ride the Supermajors because they are faster. Supermajors are usually as big as the Queen and usually mistaken for queens by amateurs.

Remember that Queens and Males are always in an ant colony.

[New2Ants]

Thanks man! This really helps, after such a long waiting period. !!!

[Camponotus]

Thanks man! This really helps, after such a long waiting period. !!!

No problem If you have any other questions let me know!