Ant Research Essentials

AntWeb is a vital online resource for ant research, offering high-quality images, species descriptions, and distribution maps. It supports global research in taxonomy, ecology, and conservation, providing essential tools for researchers and enthusiasts alike. 

The Formis Database is a comprehensive online resource for ant research, offering detailed information on ant taxonomy, distribution, and biodiversity. It provides easy access to species data, publications, and tools for searching based on geographic location, ecology, and classification, supporting studies in ant biology and evolution. 

AntWiki is a collaborative online resource dedicated to the biology, taxonomy, and ecology of ants. Maintained by ant researchers worldwide, it provides detailed species pages, identification guides, distribution data, and references. 

The Hymenoptera Genome Database (HGD) is a specialized platform for accessing genomic data on ants, bees, wasps, and related insects. It provides genome assemblies, gene annotations, and tools for comparative and functional genomics. Widely used in social insect research, HGD supports studies on evolution, development, and behavior across Hymenoptera species. 

AntMap is an interactive tool that visualizes the global distribution of over 15,000 ant species. Built by the Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics (GABI) project, it compiles millions of records from museums, field studies, and databases like AntWeb. It's a valuable resource for exploring ant biodiversity and species richness across the world. 

The UTEP ant collection includes over 230,000 specimens, with a strong focus on the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Originally curated by Dr. William P. Mackay, it fills key gaps in ant biodiversity data for the Chihuahuan Desert and beyond. Supported by NSF, the collection is now being digitized and made accessible for research and education. 

Alex Wild's photography collection showcases the intricate behaviors and diverse species of ants across the globe. From intense ant battles to fascinating mimicry, Wild's work captures the complexity of ant societies. His photographs have been featured in prominent publications like National Geographic and The New York Times.