How Do Male Ants Lose Their Wings?
WouterThose that are unfamiliar with ants may be surprised to learn that there are actually several ant species with wings. The number of ants that have wings depends on the species and the colony.
Typically, only female ants and fertile males have wings. A few species have workers that have wings. Some species actually chew off their wings, though.
Regardless of their body form, ants are social insects. They live in colonies and swarm periodically. A swarm is a mass of ants that leaves its colony in search of mates. If a swarm finds its way to a person’s home, the presence of winged ants may indicate that an ant infestation is occurring. If you see a group of winged ants, it’s a good idea to call a professional pest control expert to inspect your property.
Female ants lay eggs on human property. The young ants will then find a suitable nesting location and start a new colony. They do not have to worry about predators if the population is large enough.
During mating season, winged ants create mating aggregations around trees and bushes. These aggregations help protect the queen from predators. They also allow the queen to create a new colony.
Winged female ants are usually larger than their male counterparts. When a female ant finds a nesting site, she will remove her wings and start a new colony. She then uses her defunct wings to provide strength for the eggs she will lay.
