How Do Ants Work 24/7?
WouterWhether you live in an apartment or a house, you will most likely come across ants. These insects are known for their work ethic and dedication to their colony.
In fact, it is estimated that ants work about 80 percent of their time awake. During the day, most ants are busy foraging for food. At night, the activity slows down and ants are more likely to spend their time resting.
The Circadian Clock is a term used to describe the sleep-wake cycle of most creatures. It is a cycle that is based on the amount of sunlight.
Unlike humans, ants don’t have an internal clock. Their sleeping and working hours are regulated by their colony’s needs. As the colony grows, more food is needed.
The average worker ant takes about four hours and forty-eight minutes of sleep a day. The queen ant, on the other hand, sleeps for nine hours a day, and has 90 naps per day.
The most important task for workers is controlling the nutrition of the larvae. These larvae have no legs, and feed on food that has been regurgitated by the adult ants. As the colony grows, more workers are needed to keep the queen healthy and the colony running smoothly.
Besides their usual work, ants also perform interesting activities such as dozing off. Some ants are known to use acid to defend themselves from any intruders.
The ant’s eyes are huge and have wide photoreceptors. This makes it easier to collect light. The size of the eyes also makes it easier for ants to avoid enemies.
