What Are Army Ants?

Among the many insects, army ants are one of the most studied. They are a powerful predatory group. They are able to kill and eat almost anything they can reach. They are also very beneficial to humans.

These ants can be found in forests, swamps, and deserts. They are extremely adaptable to a variety of habitats. They are commonly found in South and Central America.

They live in colonies and can have as many as one million individual ants. They move throughout the colony, attacking other animals. They release chemical signals that notify other ants where to go. They also taste pheromones and smell them.

They have long hook-shaped mandibles and a well-developed sting. They are highly aggressive and will attack anyone in their way. They can be dangerous to infants, elderly, and inebriated people. They also have a tendency to kill other ants if they resist.

The most notable feature of army ants is their ability to travel in large groups. The colonies have a hierarchy where the queen is at the top. The worker ants are responsible for foraging for food. The workers also take care of the colony’s borders. They send scents back to the nest.

The smallest worker ants tend to brood the queen. The lead worker ants leave a chemical trail for other ants to follow. These ants can travel for up to 200 yards during raids.

When army ants attack other animals, they do so in large groups. This type of activity evolved from group raids, which occurred tens of millions of years ago.