Why Does an Ant Have Wings?
WouterWhether or not an ant has wings depends on the species. Some ants have wings, but most do not. If ants have wings, it is because they are either male or female.
Ants are members of the Formicidae family, which has a family of insects with elbow-shaped antennae. Some species have wings, but only during the breeding season. Some have wings that are equal in size on both sides.
Ants are social insects that live in complex social colonies. These colonies are based on a caste system. The castes are workers, alates, swarmers, and queens. The colony is run by a queen, which lays all the eggs. During the breeding season, the reproductive class ants, including alates and swarmers, have wings. These wings help them fly to their nesting sites. The reproductive class also use wings as a food source.
Ants take flight in the spring and summer. This is part of a natural cycle. It is also called “nuptial flight.” It occurs when ants with wings mate while swarming.
Female ants use their wings to fly to a new nesting site. This is how they build up new colonies. However, many ants will die before they have a chance to mate. This is called “budding”. This strategy is less effective than nuptial flight.
Workers are the largest caste. All workers are female, and they perform the bulk of the work within the colony. Their wings are also used to transport food and other materials.
