Where Do Ants Sleep?
WouterUnlike humans, ants do not sleep at the same time every day. Ants sleep in irregular cycles, alternating between periods of activeness and periods of rest. Depending on the species, ants may sleep in the same place every day or in different areas of the colony.
Some ants are active at all times of the day. In addition to working, ants can also forage for food and defend their colonies.
Queen ants may sleep for as many as nine hours a day. However, worker ants sleep for less time. In fact, worker ants may take hundreds of short naps every day.
Some species, like the fire ant, sleep for as many as 253 one-minute naps per day. These naps are counted as one of the four hours of sleep ants get each day.
Generally, ants will sleep in a safe place. Depending on the species, they may sleep in a burrow, under a rock, or under a leaf. These ants will not curl up into a ball, but will rest on the underside of the leaf.
Sleeping ants have drooping antennae. They do not close their eyes or their eyebrows. They may quiver their antennae when they sleep deeply.
In some species, ants can also enter a diapause state. Diapause is a natural reaction to harsh conditions. Diapause is also a way for ants to save energy. When an ant enters diapause, it will move less and sleep more. Diapause can result in freezing to death.
