Ants are creatures that occupy a vast area of the Earth. They are among the most voracious creatures and have more amazing abilities than we think, in addition to
Ants are considered great creatures and are given the scientific name: Formicidae.
Ants belong to the phylum Arthropoda and order Hymenoptera.
Ants are one of the types of insects spread in huge numbers throughout the world, reaching 12 thousand species.
Moreover, it constitutes about 20% of the living organisms that live on Earth. While it is said that one person corresponds to a million ants.
In this article in TekeTrek Website, we will introduce you to the most important information related to this object. Follow along with us.
Ant specifications
Height and body:
- The length of the ant ranges from 2 mm to 25 mm. It has 6 legs connected to the chest area.
- The ant’s external body consists of the head, thorax, and abdomen. In addition, it has a hard exoskeleton made of chitin. It gives ants great strength.
The eyes:
- Ants have five eyes, two of which are compound. Each of them consists of a large number of small lenses linked together. While the remaining eyes are small on the sides of the eye. This is to monitor the movement of objects around it.
- In addition, there are types of ants that do not have eyes, and their individuals communicate using antennae.
The mouth:
- In addition, ants have upper jaws that help them detect odors. While the lower jaw is used to grasp, cut, and bite foods.
Ants cannot live alone, as these insects live in large colonies containing millions of ants.
An ant colony consists of a queen who lays eggs after being fertilized by males. While the female workers are responsible for building the colony, protecting it, and securing food.
As for the males, their mission is limited to mating only.
Breathing:
- Ants do not have lungs; they breathe using oxygen. This is done through a series of holes on the sides of their bodies. Which helps distribute oxygen to all cells of the body.
What do ants eat?
- Ants are carnivores and plants. This means that it eats all the digestible things.
- Ants love protein-rich insects. One ant colony consumes 6 million insects throughout the year.
- Ants love sugar and carbohydrates. This is because it provides it with the energy it needs.
- In addition, water is an essential element for survival. Where ants can live without food for a long time. But he cannot do that without water.
Where do ants live?
- It is widely found in homes and homes.
- Ants can live in all kinds of places in the world. We find it in forests, plains and deserts. It is also found in abundance in tropical regions.
- The way ants sleep varies according to their species. As there are types that sleep 8 hours. While queens may sleep 9 hours a day.
- Ants are known to sleep intermittently. Where a sufficient number of worker ants remain. This is to protect and serve the colony.
Ant reproduction
- The life cycle of ants begins with the eggs laid by the female. It then hatches into a larvae without eyes or legs. Where the larvae grow and become a queen, worker, or male.
- His life is short. The life of the male is limited to several days. This is because it dies after mating. While the queen ant lives for several years.
- Ants are considered the most durable insects in the world. It can live for about 30 years.
Benefits of ants for the environment
- It is known that large ant colonies help aerate the soil.
- And also, a healthy ecosystem, because ants recycle dead animals and insects. This benefits the roots of plants.
- In addition, plants are pollinated by ants crawling from one flower to another. In addition, it helps in pest control.
- In addition, ants kill a large percentage of flies, and they do not eat or harm plants.
Types of ants
- Red ants:
They are called harvester ants. It is distinguished by its orange color. In addition, he has long hair below his chin.
- Asian needle ants:
They prefer to live outdoors. It is widespread in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.
- Honey ants:
They feed on the droppings of many insects parasitic on plant leaves. In addition, their droppings are rich in sugary substances.
- Weaver ant:
It is found in the forests of Australia. Its length is 6 mm. While she builds her kingdom of leaves. It is distinguished by its large size compared to other types of ants.
- Termites:
famous in Australia. It is the most famous type of ants. It lives in colonies inside the soil. In addition, these colonies are the kingdom or city of ants.
- Farmer ant:
It is called this because it has been working in agriculture for millions of years. It lives in the tropical Amazon forests.
- Black ants:
their length ranges from 2.5 to 3 mm. His favorite food is sweets. In addition, it is in kitchens and garbage collection places.
- Argentine ants:
They are widely found in California and the United States.
- Carpenter ants:
which are known to be among the most harmful types of ants. It is common in North America.
Facts about ants
- Despite their small size, ants are one of the most powerful creatures. One ant can carry 100 times its weight. It is related to an inverted surface.
- Moreover, ants are insects that have a highly developed brain.
- The ant makes a sound called a squeak. As this sound is similar to the sound of noise and noise. In addition, it is inaudible to humans.
- In addition, ants are distinguished by their courage in defending themselves when there is danger. This is because some types of them put pressure on their abdomen. The poison explodes from within it and kills its enemy instantly.
FAQ
- Are ants blind?
Compared with vertebrates, ants’ eyesight is blurrier, especially in small species, and a few underground taxa are completely blind.
- What is the name of the ant’s husband?
Male ants are called chickpeas.
- Are there ants that fly?
There is a type of flying ants called termites, known as carpenter ants. They have four wings. Although they are from another species, they resemble ants in many ways.
Although in the end, we were disturbed by the presence of ants often inside homes. In addition to its appearance, it is not illuminated. However, it is not an insect or vermin that we should get rid of or kill outside homes. Let the soil enjoy its unique benefits.
Fairness about this, we must not forget that we have been talking about ants since the time we broke our fast. It is associated with activity and diligent physical intelligence. Ant communities and their nests are a witness to the most amazing examples of how organized these creatures are.
The talk about its features and qualities is endless. This is due to the continuing surprises about what she can do.