How many kinds of ants are there?

There are more than 12,000 recognized ant species, as of 2014, with new specimens being discovered each year. With the exception of the Arctic Circle and Antarctica, ants are found in a variety of environments all across the planet.

Ants range in size from .08 inches to 1 inch and have a life spans of several weeks to more than 1 year. The majority of species live in colonies bearing a highly complex social structure, with members assuming different responsibilities. Pound-for-pound, ants are one of the strongest members of the animal kingdom and are able to lift and pull several times their own body weight.