What Do Ants Do in Their Colonies?
WouterAmong the most populous animals on Earth, ants have many roles. These social insects work together to solve difficult problems. Their roles change as the needs of the colony change.
Besides feeding the queen and their brood, worker ants also build the nest. Ants have a unique ability to use vibration and touch in certain situations. Their antennae sense chemicals and give them information. They also communicate with each other through chemical signals.
They are also highly attracted to water. Unlike other insects, ants can move objects bigger than themselves. Ant colonies are usually underground. They are divided into several chambers connected by tunnels.
Queen ants have a special role in the colony. They lay large, fertile eggs. These eggs are larger than worker eggs. They also use tissue from their wings to feed their first brood.
Workers lay sterile eggs. They tend to the queen and her brood, cleaning them and protecting them. They also feed the larvae.
The queen lays eggs only during the summer. They will only reproduce if there is food available. They live for about 10 to 15 years.
When the eggs hatch, workers begin to work. Some workers work all day. Others spend the day collecting food. They also patrol the colony, cleaning up and disposing of waste. They also release pheromones with specific messages.
Queen ants are larger than worker ants. They have wings that break when they mate. Their sperm functions like flying sperm. They also have a pouch in their abdomen to store their sperm.
