What are some lesser known facts about ants?
Here are some lesser-known facts about ants that highlight their fascinating and often surprising behaviors and characteristics:
Ancient Lineage
Ants are incredibly old, with scientists estimating that they developed in the mid-Cretaceous period, around 110-130 million years ago, making them as old as dinosaurs3.
Agricultural Pioneers
Ants are considered the world's first farmers. Leafcutter ants, for example, grow mushrooms by secreting antibiotics that enhance mold growth, a practice that predates human agriculture by millions of years5.
Superorganisms
Ant colonies operate so efficiently that they are often referred to as "superorganisms." They use chemical pheromone trails to communicate, work together, and even recognize intruder ants based on the unique scent of their colony35.
Magnetic Navigation
Ants can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use it for navigation, a skill that is rare in the insect world35.
Strength and Endurance
Ants are remarkably strong relative to their size; they can carry 50 times their own body weight. If a human had the same strength, they could lift approximately 9,000 pounds25.
Complex Social Structure
Ant colonies are highly organized, with different roles for different ants. Worker ants are all female and sterile, while male ants (drones) have wings and their sole purpose is to mate with the queen. Some species even 'kidnap' ants from other colonies to use as slaves25.
Unique Communication
Ants communicate through chemical signals (pheromones), vibrations, and even antennae. They can send warnings, leave trails to food sources, and attract mates using these methods25.
Survival Adaptations
Ants can survive underwater for up to two weeks due to their extremely tiny breathing tubes that water cannot penetrate. They also have no lungs; instead, they breathe through tiny holes called spiracles35.
Large-Scale Colonies
The largest ant colony ever recorded was over 3,700 miles wide, found in Argentina in 2000. This super colony housed 33 ant populations that had merged into one giant colony23.
Space Exploration
In 2014, an experiment on the International Space Station studied how ant colonies adapt to microgravity. This research aimed to understand how ants collectively search for resources in changing environments, which could inform the development of autonomous search-and-rescue robots2.
Medical and Culinary Uses
In some cultures, ants are used in medicine or as a delicacy. For example, some Native American tribes use bullet ant bites in initiation rituals, and in Mexico, ant eggs are considered a delicacy known as 'escamoles'35.
Environmental Impact
Ants play a significant role in their ecosystems; they move an estimated 50 tons of soil per year, making them the world's main turners of soil. This activity is crucial for soil health and nutrient cycling35.
These facts highlight the intricate social structures, remarkable adaptations, and significant ecological roles of ants, making them far more fascinating than they might initially seem.