How Do Ants Talk to Each Other?
WouterOften considered a pest by humans, ants communicate with each other using a variety of methods. Some ants make sounds, others use touch, and others use a chemical known as pheromones.
Pheromones are chemical molecules released into the air by an ant’s antennae. The ants sense the chemical trails through their antennae and combine them with sound and touch to create a unique form of communication.
Adult ants use this pheromone system to communicate with each other. Ants also use pheromones to send distress signals to other members of the colony when they’re in danger. When the ants are threatened, they use their pheromones to signal other members of the colony to flee or attack the threat.
Pheromones are used by most ant species to communicate. They convey a general message and are used by all ants in the colony. The ants also use pheromones to leave chemical trails to food sources. Using pheromones to communicate is a very important trait in ant species. Using pheromones as a form of communication can help prevent ants from fighting.
Another communication technique used by ants is stridulation. During stridulation, the ants rub two parts of their abdomen together, creating a sound.
When ants have food, they can transfer it by poking another ant with their antennae. Some ants also use their front legs to touch each other. This method of communication is important in some species, because ants can’t spare food that they already ingest.
