Are there over 13,800 described species of ants out of approximately 22,000 total species?
NoParrot Fact Check · September 11, 2026
Fact-checked by NoParrot's 4-model methodology · Last verified September 11, 2026
NoParrot Score
Mixed signals
Claim breakdown
- Verified
- 1
- Uncertain
- 1
- Disputed
- 1
Synthesis
Current estimates indicate there are over 15,800 described species of ants, a figure higher than the 13,800 mentioned. The total number of ant species, including those yet to be described, is estimated to be around 22,000, which falls within the range of scientific projections. These numbers are dynamic, as new species are continuously discovered and classified.
Many ant species remain undescribed, and the commonly cited midpoint for the total projected number of ant species, including undescribed ones, is around 22,000. These figures are based on data from 2023–2024.
There is a discrepancy regarding the exact number of described ant species, with some sources reporting approximately 13,800–14,000 valid described species worldwide, while others state over 14,000 or over 15,800. Similarly, estimates for the total number of ant species vary, with projections ranging from around 20,000–25,000, including undescribed species, to approximately 22,000.
What each model said
- Claude ✓ 1 ✗ 3
Yes, that's approximately correct. As of recent estimates, there are over 13,800 described (formally named) species of ants, while the total number of ant species is estimated to be around 22,000, meaning many species remain undescribed. Ants belong to the family Formicidae.
- Gemini ✓ 1 ⚠ 1
No, there are currently over 15,800 described species of ants, which is more than 13,800. The estimate of approximately 22,000 total species (including undescribed species) is within the range of scientific estimates, though these figures are subject to change as new species are discovered and classified.
- Grok ⚠ 1 ✗ 1
Yes. These figures align with current entomological estimates from sources like AntWeb and AntWiki (as of 2023–2024 data), which report roughly 13,800–14,000 valid described ant species worldwide, with total species (including undescribed) projected at around 20,000–25,000. The 22,000 total is a commonly cited midpoint in that range.
- GPT ✓ 1 ✗ 3
Yes. There are over 13,800 described ant species, and the total number of ant species—including undescribed species—is commonly estimated at around 22,000 or more. Current counts vary by source and date, but described valid ant species are now often listed at roughly 14,000+ worldwide, so “over 13,800 out of approximately 22,000 total species” is a reasonable statement.
Models Used
- Claude
- Gemini
- Grok
- GPT
Disclaimer: This page summarizes the output of 4 frontier large-language models at a single point in time. NoParrot Score reflects cross-model consensus, not absolute truth. Models can be wrong, and consensus can be wrong with them. Treat this page as a research aid, not a final verdict.
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