How Quickly Do Ants Move?
WouterDepending on the species of ant, speed can be an important factor in foraging trips. Some species such as the Saharan silver ant, for example, require daily foraging forays in order to avoid predators.
In addition to the speed of the ant itself, the speed of the other colony members also affects the ant’s movement. This effect can be seen in the anthills of some species, which are often several feet high and miles in length. In other species, the anthills are very small and barely noticeable.
In addition to the anthills, some species build tunnels that are several feet deep and are connected by tunnels within the anthill. This allows different species of ants to connect to one another without disrupting the anthill.
Ants are part of the Formicidae family, which is part of the Hymenoptera order. They have a very large body with external teeth and mandibles. They are very social animals, and form social colonies. The worker ants lay sterile eggs, but they also lay eggs that are fertile. They lay these eggs in the summer season. These eggs are treated better than worker eggs.
Ants have a life cycle that includes four stages, including the metamorphosis stage. The metamorphosis period can last from eight to ten weeks, depending on the species.
When a queen ant is ready to lay eggs, she lays larger eggs than worker eggs. This provides future queens with a workforce. She also tends to her eggs. The queen ants may be escorted later when the colony is more established.
