What do ants forage for to sustain themselves and their colony?

Ants forage for a variety of food sources to sustain themselves and their colony, which includes honeydew, greases, sugars, and insects. Honeydew, a sugary substance secreted by aphids and some other insects, is particularly high in carbohydrates. This serves as a primary energy source for many ant species. Additionally, ants seek out other forms of sustenance such as sugars from fruits, nectars, or other natural sources, which provide essential energy.

Greases and proteins from dead insects are important as well, contributing to the nutrition required for growth and maintaining the health of the colony. This diverse foraging behavior helps ants adapt to varying environmental conditions and ensures that they have a balanced diet to support their complex social structure and life cycles.

The other options do not accurately reflect the wide range of nutrients ants require. Wood, while some species depend on decaying wood for their habitat, is not a significant food source. Focusing solely on honeydew is too restrictive, as ants require more varied nutrients to thrive. Pheromones are not a food source; instead, they are chemical signals that ants use for communication and navigation. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the multifaceted feeding habits of ants.