How Far Do Ants Travel in a Day?
WouterVarious species of ants travel far from their nests in search of food and water. They also help with pest control, and clean up dead animals and debris.
Ants travel at a rate of approximately 3 inches per second, and can cover approximately 4 miles per day. Their daily travel distance depends on their species and environment. Some species travel over four miles a day, while others may only travel a couple of hundred feet.
Some species of ants can travel up to 300 feet from their nest. Carpenter ants travel hundreds of feet to find food that has a high protein and sugar content. They then bring the food back to their nest. These ants can also travel up to two kilometers in a single day.
Most ants travel alone, but some species will travel in groups. These groups may only travel together when they are attacked, or when food is scarce. The ants will only cooperate with each other if there is a threat to the colony.
Some ants, like the winged fire ant queens, can travel up to three miles, when blown by wind currents. These queens can also travel greater distances if disturbed.
When ants travel in groups, they form waves that travel further as the day goes on. They leave a trail behind them that other foragers follow. The trails eventually straighten out over time. During their search for food, ant-explorers lay down pheromone trails. Workers then follow these trails with antennae.
