How Do Ants Taste With Their Feet?
WouterUnlike other insects, ants do not have a nose and have no tongue. But they do have taste receptors on their feet. They are used for finding nectar.
In addition to their taste receptors, ants also have odor receptors. They have four to five times more odor receptors than other insects. These odor receptors have three different classes. They are odorant receptors (IR), gustatory receptors (GR) and ionotropic glutamate receptors (IGR). They are sensitive to different aromatic compounds.
Most insects have an olfactory system that is centered in their antennae. Using computer models, scientists tracked ant antennae movements. They found that ants moved their antennae closer to trails. This allowed them to follow chemical trails.
Besides following trails, ants are also able to locate other ants. They use their odor to identify other ants. They also use their odor to locate food. They do this through a process called trophallaxis. This is when an ant transfers fluids or food between itself and other ants.
Ants also carry bacteria on their bodies and can carry them into a meal. Foods that have pathogens should not be left out of the refrigerator for long.
Ants also have mandibles. They are used for hunting, cutting, digging and carrying. They are also used to help break down food.
Ants also have palps, which are like vertebrate tongues. Their palps are also used to taste. Some species of insects, such as wood ants, have taste buds on their legs.
