Can Ants Be Drowned in Water?
WouterWhether or not ants can be drowned in water varies from species to species. Some species can survive for up to a week underwater while others may be drowned in as little as twenty-four hours.
Ants have an innovative way of self-assembly to create life-rafts. They form tubes that distribute oxygen to their cells, allowing carbon dioxide to leave their bodies.
Another study showed that ants can construct bridges, although this is a feat that has only been observed in primates. They can also produce a pheromone, or smell, that allows other insects to pass through. If you’re trying to get rid of ants in your home, you’ll want to talk to a pest control expert about your options.
Whether or not ants can be drowned is probably best answered by looking at their body structure. They have a series of small holes called spiracles along their body. These holes provide oxygen to the ant’s cells and are controlled by muscles. They also release carbon dioxide, which helps to keep the ant afloat.
The spiracles are also linked together by tubes within the ant’s body. When they are open, ants are able to float for a short period of time, but when they are closed, ants can’t breathe. However, ants that appear to be dead can sometimes come back to life when the spiracles dry.
The best way to drown ants is to reduce their surface tension. The higher the surface tension, the more water is pulled down. Ants are too light to withstand the surface tension of water, but some species have developed mechanisms to survive a flood.
