How Do Ants Lay Eggs?
WouterDuring the winter months, ants gather together to stay warm. They live in colonies and are usually found underground. They feed on insects and other small creatures to feed their young.
Various species of ants also have special breeding procedures. Some species produce eggs without fertilization by males. Others, such as fire ants, rely on colony budding to reproduce. These ants lay eggs in groups, usually in deep nests.
Eggs are small, oval, and white in color. They are about the size of a period. They are oval shaped and have no legs. Ants usually lay a dozen or more eggs per batch.
After mating, female ants drop their wings. Then, they become infertile. Their pupa form is inside a cell that is prepared by worker ants. They live in the pupa form for a month or more.
The ant larvae, which emerge from the egg, have no eyes or legs. They feed on food provided by the worker ants until they are ready to move on to the next phase. Their body consists of a silken cocoon.
Ants are important to the environment. Their cooperation is key to their success. They help aerate the soil, which is essential for good plants. Their pheromones and antennae help them sense chemicals in the soil. They also carry food back to the nests.
Several species of ants hibernate during colder months. Some of the species, such as the horse ant, are found in both Europe and Anatolia. These ants spray formic acid when threatened.
