How Fast Do Ants Run?
WouterDespite being tiny, ants are incredibly fast. They can run at speeds that are comparable to those of elephants. Interestingly, they do not have pain receptors, like humans. However, they do feel irritation, and may feel a sense of damage.
In one study, researchers from the University of Ulm in Germany measured the speed of ants at speeds of up to 855 millimeters per second. They compared this speed to the speed of other ants, including Cataglyphis fortis, which can run at only 620 millimeters per second.
In another study, researchers from the University of Ulm measured the top speed of the Saharan silver ant, which lives in the Sahara Desert in Africa. Its speed is similar to that of a horse. The silver ant can reach a top speed of 85 centimeters per second. It also has a streamlined body shape that enables it to run at these speeds.
The Saharan silver ant is one of the fastest ants in the world. Its legs are shorter than its cousins, Cataglyphis fortis. Its legs have a tripod gait, which keeps its weight evenly distributed throughout its body.
The Saharan silver ant can run at top speeds of up to 85 centimetres per second, and cover up to 108 body lengths in a second. It has a body shape that enables it to scavenge carcasses of other fallen desert creatures. The Saharan silver ant also has aerodynamic body shape, and its legs swing at high frequencies.
