Why Do Ants Have Wings?
WouterGenerally, there are three types of ants: termites, flying ants and worker ants. Each ant species has its own unique body shape.
Termites have two pairs of wings that are either straight or bent. These wings are typically black, but can also be brown or clear. They are also accompanied by straight antennae.
Flying ants, on the other hand, have two pairs of wings that are unequal in length. They are larger than the worker ants and have a smoky appearance. The hind wings are smaller than the front wings, and are constricted at the thorax. They are usually males, but some female flying ants also use their wings as a source of food.
In fact, the majority of ant species have winged queens and males. They may also have winged workers.
Ants are part of the Formicidae family. They are an obligate social insect. They live in colonies that are established by the queens.
The queen lays all of the eggs in her nest. The worker ants do not reproduce. In some species, reproductive ants take to the air to find a new nesting site. Some ants reproduce by budding. Other species swarm. The swarming bee gets its name from a big swarm.
While some ant species have wings, most don’t. Workers only use their wings when they need to fly to find a mate or to search for food. Occasionally, some species of ants may sting. Some of these species are referred to as alates.
