"Large Red Ants: Fierce Defenders and Skilled Survivors"

Large red ants, such as those from the Camponotus (carpenter ants) and Solenopsis (fire ants) genera, are typically 6-12 mm long with reddish-brown or bright red bodies. They inhabit forests, plantations, and urban areas, nesting in decayed wood or underground mounds. Omnivorous, they feed on insects, nectar, and human food scraps. Fire ants are aggressive, delivering painful, venomous stings, while carpenter ants bite and spray formic acid for defense. Their presence can be beneficial for controlling pests, but some species pose risks to humans and structures.