Can Ants Survive in Water?
WouterSeveral species of ants have adapted to life in water. This includes fire ants which are renowned for their ability to float on rafts and form massive air bubbles to protect them from flooding.
Fire ants have been known to build rafts that can last for weeks. They do this by linking their legs to their mouths to form a trail that can safely get them to safety.
Ants don’t have lungs, but they do have a trachea that carries oxygen to their bodies. The average ant can hold a breath for 45 minutes.
In the past, researchers have known about ants rafts but never studied them experimentally. Now, it’s possible to build a mathematical model to predict ant raft behavior.
There’s a lot of hype around the idea that ants can swim, but they’re not actually capable of it. They can float on water, but they can’t propel themselves. The best way to kill ants is to hire a pest control professional. This will ensure that your home is protected from future invasions.
Some ants actually form water bubbles around their bodies, which may be able to give them some life. However, most ants aren’t well-suited for swimming. They’re too small to break the surface of water. A few species have even been known to build rafts.
They can even float for short periods of time without water. They can also walk on water. They can also close specialized water openings that allow them to breathe.
