Why Ants Have Wings
WouterVarious species of ants can develop wings during their life cycle. Wings are useful to ants for reproduction. They also contribute to the ecosystem of the Earth. However, some species do not develop wings.
Ants have four life stages. They hatch as larvae, become pupae, and mature into adult forms. Each stage is dependent on the species. Ants can reproduce asexually.
In some species of ants, the wings develop during adulthood. However, ants in the pre-imago stage do not have wings. They have a flat disk, testaceous or reddish body, and stout coxae.
Male ants develop wings to help them fly, fight, and locate mates. They can also use their wings to disperse. Ants can fly during mating season in the spring or fall.
In some species of ants, a female ant may develop wings for laying eggs. The wings of female ants are larger than those of male ants. Female ants do not use their wings for fighting or to spread the queen’s colony. When a queen ant dies, she changes positions in the colony.
The wings of male ants are short, and are divided into two sections. The front section is longer than the back. The femora is a linear apical margin, with a brownish-yellow margin. The male gonopods are dull brown, and the terminal segment is paler.
Termites are distinguished from ants by their antennae. Termites have straight antennae, whereas ants have bent antennae. The wings of termites are the same in length.
