How Are New Queen Ants Born?
WouterAlmost all ant species have a queen. Some species are biological-control agents, while others are considered pests. These insects have a big influence on the ecosystems of the world. They pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and improve soil quality.
The queen ant is the most sizing member of the colony. She lays the first group of eggs, which develop into the first larvae. She then encases herself in a burrow. After a couple of weeks, the first worker ants emerge. They are weaker than other members of the colony, because they have not had access to food.
The workers will help the queen and take over the duties of the colony. After about a year, they will die. The next generation will start their own colony. Depending on the species, it takes about three to five weeks to develop.
The queen will mate with as many males as possible. When they do, they will release pheromones. These pheromones inhibit the ovaries of workers. They also help the queen to concentrate on laying eggs. These pheromones can be released over hundreds of kilometers.
After a queen has mated, she will begin to produce eggs. The size of the eggs will determine how many queens are produced. The queens will lay their eggs in the first chamber of their nest.
Some queens have wings. These wings are shed during the development of the colony. It is easier to identify queens with wings. Some species chew off their wings, while others rip them off with their legs.
