10 Unmissable Facts About Ants
Ants have been around for over 100 million years, sharing the planet with dinosaurs. Thriving in highly organized colonies and found worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, these tiny creatures play an important role in our ecosystem. The facts about ants debunk many myths and reveal lesser-known aspects of their existence.
Are you interested? We’ve compiled some amazing facts about ants that highlight their unique characteristics and resilience.
10 Unmissable Facts About Ants
1: There Are Over 12,000 Ants Species Worldwide
The estimated 20 quadrillion ants on Earth equals approximately 2.5 million ants for every human. Over 12,000 species of ants are known, and many of them fulfill unique ecological roles.
For instance, fire ants defend themselves with stings that deliver solenopsin venom. The newly discovered Pheidole drogon has evolved spines on its exoskeleton. The Amazon species Allomerus decemarticulatus shows excellent cooperation by building intricate plant-fiber traps. Another notable species, the yellow crazy ant, forms huge supercolonies housing hundreds or even thousands of queens.
2: Ants Don’t Have Ears
Yes, one of the facts about ants is the absence of external structures for hearing. Despite this, ants are far from deaf. Instead of hearing through auditory canals, these little creatures perceive sounds by detecting vibrations in the ground.
Specialized sensors located on their feet and knees allow them to interpret the vibrational signals from their surroundings. Furthermore, their antennae and body hairs are specialized to help them navigate while foraging for food.
3: Ants Don’t Have Lungs
Unlike mammals and humans, ants do not have lungs. Ants are too small for a complex respiratory system, but they have an efficient method for transporting air.
Ants’ respiratory system comprises a network of tracheal tubes connected to small openings on their body surface, known as spiracles. Oxygen enters through the spiracles and travels through the tracheae, reaching all parts of the body. This intricate breathing system enables ants to breathe even in the most challenging environments like cramped spaces and underground tunnels.
4: Ants Can Lift 50 Times Their Body Weight
Ants possess incredible strength, with some species capable of carrying objects 50 times their body weight. The secret to their strength lies in their small size. Compared to larger animals, ants’ muscles are proportionally thicker relative to their body mass. This muscle structure allows them to handle loads far heavier than themselves.
5: The Queen Ant Lays Eggs, Maintaining the Colony’s Population
Queen ants play a vital role in maintaining the colony’s population by laying eggs. These eggs ensure the continued survival of the colony.
Queen ants are typically larger than their worker counterparts, with elongated abdomens designed for extensive egg production and storage. Their most distinctive feature is their highly developed reproductive system, which enables them to lay eggs consistently throughout their lives.
6: Ants Have the Longest Lifespan of Any Insect
Ants exhibit remarkable variability in their lifespans, with some species living for just a few weeks while others live for several years. Queen ants are particularly notable for their longevity.
Many queen ants can live for decades, reaching approximately 30 years. The longest recorded adult life is 28¾ years in captivity of a queen ant Lasius niger.
7: Ants Are Social Insects That Reside in Colonies
Yes, ants live in complex social colonies, where a group of ants coexist with the ultimate goal of growth and survival.
Within an ant colony, there are various types of ants, each assigned a specific role. The queen is responsible for reproduction, while worker ants assist in caring for the queen’s offspring. Soldier ants, on the other hand, protect the colony from threats.
8: The Bullet Ant Has the World’s Most Painful Sting
The bullet ant is known for its most painful sting. It lives in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Bullet ants are typically non-aggressive but will sting when provoked, releasing chemicals that signal nearby ants to join in stinging.
The bullet ant is known by various names. In Venezuela, it is called the “24-hour ant” due to the duration of its sting’s pain. In Brazil, it is known as the “big black ant.” Regardless of the name, they all translate to “the one who wounds deeply.” The bullet ant commands both respect and fear for its potent sting.
9: Ants Have Two Stomachs
One of the fascinating facts about ants is that they have an extraordinary adaptation: two stomachs, which significantly enhance their survival.
- The first stomach, known as the crop, stores food and allows ants to share nourishment with other colony members.
- The second stomach, known as the gaster, handles the necessary digestion and nutrient absorption.
This dual-stomach system makes these tiny titans in foraging and food distribution. This adaptation also influences essential ecological processes such as seed dispersal and soil aeration.
10: Ants Are Found on Every Continent Except Antarctica
Ants are indigenous to nearly every corner of the world, with the exceptions of Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, and a few remote islands. Antarctica’s cold and harsh environment makes it unsuitable for ants, as they cannot survive such freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
Ants, the tiny creatures without ears and lungs are known for their extraordinary strength. Their intricate social structures and behaviors, from forming supercolonies to building plant-fiber traps, highlight their ecological significance. Understanding these unmissable facts about ants not only showcases their impressive adaptations but also provides insight into the workings of the natural world.
FAQs
What are 5 facts about ants?
1. There are over 12,000 ant species worldwide.
2. Ants don’t have ears.
3. Ants don’t have lungs.
4. Ants can lift 50 times of their body weight.
5. Ants have two stomachs.
How many days do ants live?
Ants’ life spans vary from species to species. Some can live for a few days, while others can live for approximately 30 years. For example, fire ants can live for 30-60 days, carpenter ants can live for 45-90 days, and queen ants (with the longest life span) can live for up to 28-30 years.
Can ants live without a queen?
Yes, a colony of ants can live for months without a queen. However, their survival is limited to only a few months as the workers cannot reproduce.
How big can ants get?
Female ants can exceed 1.5 inches in length. The biggest ant species (Titanomyrma lubei) ever recorded was 2 inches long.
What is the largest ant to ever exist?
Titanomyrma lubei (2-inch long) is recorded as the largest ant to ever exist.