How Come Ants Don’t Drown When It Rains?
WouterDuring rainy seasons, ants may invade homes. Although some ants may not like the rain, others are capable of surviving the storm. In order to survive, ants have a series of defenses. These include strongholds, air pockets, and breathing holes. These help ants avoid drowning.
Ants can withstand heavy rain, and even walk on water. They also have a complex tunnel system. Ants build air pockets in their tunnels to prevent water from entering the nest chambers.
These air pockets are also used for breathing. If ants are stranded in deep water, they will close their breathing holes. This allows them to survive for a long time.
Other ant species create anthills to deal with flooding. These anthills are a fortress that protects the colony from predators. These anthills have hundreds of entrances and are able to absorb water. Anthills also keep the queen safe. Anthills are often made of sand or dirt.
Another defense that ants have is their ability to hold their breath for a long time. They can hold their breath for as long as an hour. This is because they have small holes in their bodies called spiracles. The spiracles help them breathe. These holes are also used to drain water from their nest.
When it rains, ants look for a safe place to shelter. They may build a nest, or they may search for a dry place to scout for food. They also seek a higher ground to avoid being swept away by the flood.
