Food and Shelter: How Resources Influence Ant Ecology Food and
nesting space are the most important resources for ants and
contribute strongly to the structure of ant communities. Most
ants can be considered omnivores; however, differences in
morphology and digestive capabilities constrain the availability
of food sources and contribute to fundamental niche
differentiation. Endosymbionts may play a crucial role in
facilitating nitrogen uptake, nutrient balance, or food
detoxification. The location and distribution of nest sites, and
whether nests are static or dynamic, affect the diets that are
available to ants, given their limited foraging range.
Macronutrients in ant diets have been demonstrated to affect
competition and territorial behaviour. When food is available
continuously, territoriality and permanent nests may be
favoured, while short‐lived food sources require more frequent
nest relocation. Consequently, nest types are highly variable,
ranging from relatively persistent nests in the ground or wood