There are approximately 10,000 species of ants living around the world, forming communities that work diligently with a high level of discipline.
Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera and the class Insecta. They are social insects capable of living in large colonies comprising millions of individuals. Many ant colonies can even spread over vast areas, forming supercolonies.
Ant colonies are sometimes considered superorganisms as they operate as a single entity.
Below are some vibrant images of ants as introduced by the New York Times:
Ants living in arid climates need to store food to survive for extended periods. In the North American desert, the Myrmecocystus species utilizes its body as a storage container, reserving nutrients to “supply” fellow colony members when needed.
A colony of Eciton ants moves in a unique “single-file formation.”
Ant larvae, though delicate, are essential members of the ant colony. They help regulate the nutritional levels of all members within the colony, and in some species, they are very useful during the construction of the nest. The ant species in the photo, the Dracula ant, from Madagascar, is among the thousands of ant species yet to be officially classified.
Researchers from the University of Arizona, USA, track the activities of individual ants in the colony by marking them with various colors on their bodies.
The Indian ant, Harpegnathos saltator, will be one of the first ant species to have its genome sequenced.
A Podomyrma ant is “caring for” a Lycaenid caterpillar in southern Australia. These caterpillars contain substances attractive to ants, while the ants, in return, protect the caterpillars from other parasitic animals. Ants, being abundant, provide support to many other species in various ways.
Malagasy ants are considered the strangest-looking ants in the family. They depend on fallen leaves in tropical regions for their habitat.
Two Pogonomyrmex ants at adjacent nests are engaged in a “ritualistic” struggle, showcasing strength without harming each other. Scientists believe that ant colonies use this behavior to gather information about their “neighbors.” Understanding the strength of potential adversaries helps ants establish territorial boundaries and avoid “bloody conflict.”
Some ant species diversify into various forms with different shapes and sizes to perform multiple tasks. The size difference between these two ants results from their mutual dependence on nutrition.
The Cecropia ant is guarding its territory against intruders. When working together, they will surround and immobilize the enemy by binding them tightly. |
