How Long Do Tiny Ants Live?
WouterDepending on the type of ant and the environment, the lifespan of an ant can range from a few days to several years. The length of an ant’s life can also be influenced by the role the ant plays in the colony.
A typical ant is a hardy creature that can survive without food or water for a couple of weeks. But, ants can only go so far without a source of oxygen. They breathe through small holes in their bodies, known as spiracles.
Ants also have the ability to spin a protective cocoon. This is one of the more important feats of nature.
Other things to know about ants include the fact that they are the most common insects in the world. There are over 13,000 different species of ants. The longest known ant colony is 3,750 miles wide. Interestingly, ants began farming before humans did. They learned how to fertilise crops and to protect crops from mould and other pests.
One of the first things that ants do is lay their eggs. These white eggs transform into larvae and molt several times. After molting, the larvae will move into a pupae stage. This is the ant’s version of the water cycle. It’s also one of the most efficient ways to live.
Ants are the strongest creatures in relation to their size. They have two stomachs, one for feeding themselves and one to feed other ants. The ant’s two stomachs can hold up to five days’ worth of food and water.
