Can Ants Live in Water?
WouterWhether ants can live in water or not depends on several factors. One of the most important is the temperature of the water. A lower temperature allows for a longer survival period and a lower metabolism.
Depending on the type of ant, they can live in water for a day, weeks, or months. Some species can float on water, while others build rafts to keep themselves afloat. The amount of time an ant can survive in water depends on its body size, weight, and how much oxygen it can get.
In order to breathe, ants have spiracles. These spiracles are small holes along their body. Oxygen from the air enters through these spiracles and then passes through the trachea. The trachea then passes the air down to the abdomen. Some ants have air bubbles that allow them to breathe underwater.
The average ant drinks about seven microliters of water in a single sitting. The largest ant can drink up to thirty-five microliters. Some ants can survive for up to twenty-four hours without oxygen.
The time it takes for ants to drown depends on how long they have been underwater without oxygen. For example, an African fire ant can tread water for twenty-eight days. The American cockroach can survive for forty minutes without oxygen.
The smallest ants can drink only a fraction of a drop of water. They can also hold their breath underwater for a short amount of time. Some species can survive in water for a whole day, while others are resistant to flooding.
