They are easily identified by their elbowed antennae and a
distinctive node-like structure that forms a slender waist. Ants form
colonies that range in size from a few dozen predatory individuals
living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies which may
occupy large territories and consist of millions of individuals. These
larger colonies consist mostly of sterile wingless females forming
castes of "workers", "soldiers", or other specialised groups. Nearly all
ant colonies also have some fertile males called "drones" and one or
more fertile females called "queens". The colonies are sometimes
described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a
unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.