Why Do Ants Like Sugar?
WouterWhether you are planning on starting a science experiment or simply want to learn more about the world of ants, you will want to know why do ants like sugar. After all, it’s packed with calories and gives ants the energy they need to do their jobs.
Ants are hard workers. They travel many miles to collect food and take it back to their colony. They use their antennas to check the chemical composition of the food. They also use their mandibles, or jaws, to capture food and digest it. They have two stomachs, one for solid foods and the other for sugary substance.
Sugar ants love sugary nectar. Their nests are usually under rocks or walls. They move their colonies every three months. They can also travel long distances to find sugar.
They also prefer sweet foods like fruit and baked goods. They have been known to bite humans if their nest is disturbed. However, these bites are easy to treat.
The primary source of energy for ants is sugar. It’s easy to digest and a light food. They can carry it, too, making it easier for them to move from one place to another. It also gives them energy, allowing them to work longer.
A recent study found that ants living in ant colonies tended to survive better when they were on a high carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates provided the energy for ants to move and to fight infection. The study also found that antibiotic-secreting metapleural glands in ant colonies benefitted from a high carbohydrate diet.
