How High Can Ants Jump?
WouterAlmost all insects are wingless and only a few species jump. However, the ants are quite unique. They have powerful jaws, which propel them backward.
They also have a complex set of legs, which allow them to propel themselves forwards. They can jump from a height of five centimeters.
Unlike other jumping arthropods, the Gigantiops destructor has an unusual abdominal rotation during jumps. This may help the ant land with minimal damage. It also increases the maximum distance the ant can reach.
Another interesting feature is the ant’s ability to change the angle between its longitudinal body axis and its substrate. This is called a “flexing” of the femoro-tibial joints. This increases the angle between the ant’s longitudinal body axis and the substrate and results in less torque during the takeoff phase.
The ant’s center of mass is located between its thorax and its abdomen. It is not known how this center of mass affects its balance.
The ant’s abdomen is also raised during takeoff to reposition its center of mass and generate thrust. This abdominal movement is also seen in vertebrates. The ants also use their abdomen to stabilize their body rotation during a jump.
Ants jump in response to threats. They can be easily spotted by predators, even at a distance of half a meter. When threatened, wingless tropical ants will drop from tree habitats and use their hind legs as rudders. They then glide to their destination with their legs.
