Can Ants Jump High?

Until now, it was not known whether ants can jump high. It was believed that the ants only jump in certain situations. But now, researchers have confirmed that the insects can jump high. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The ants are able to jump from a vertical height of 6-8 cm. They can also clear 3.1 cm horizontally. During the jump, they swing their abdomens. This can stabilize the ant’s rotation and give it thrust at the beginning of the jump.

During a jump, ants try to frighten predators. They sometimes jump while they are in the process of catching a meal. But other times, they jump when they’re disturbed. Depending on the situation, they may use their legs, jaws, or wings to jump.

According to Brian Fisher, associate curator at the California Academy of Sciences, the ants can make two distinct types of jumps. The first type, known as a bouncer-defense jump, occurs when the ants snap their jaws against an intruder. The second type, known as an escape jump, occurs when the ants latch their jaws against a substrate and launch themselves into the air. This type of jump is airborne for 0.22 to 0.27 seconds.

The ants can clear 0.8 to 5.7 cm horizontally. They can reach a vertical height of 6.1 to 8.3 cm. The horizontal distance is equal to 132 feet.

These ants also have the ability to jump backwards. They can leap with their jaws, at a force of 100,000 times the force of gravity.