Aug 25, 2024
Over 12,000 ant species exist worldwide, from the ones crawling across your picnic to those constructing underground fortresses in rainforests, and even flying ants!
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The bullet ant, found in humid jungles like the Amazon, is known for its excruciating sting. It's often compared to being shot by a bullet – an incredibly painful experience!
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Fire ants, small but mighty, inflict over £3 billion in damage annually. Known for their painful, burning bites, these red imported pests lead to significant medical and veterinary expenses in the US and also damage crops.
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Ants hold the record for longest-living insects. While some bugs last only days or hours, the queen ant of the Pogonomyrmex Owyheei species can live up to 30 years. Watch where you step—she’s been around for quite a while!
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Ants are among the strongest creatures relative to their size. One ant can lift up to 50 times its own body weight. When working together, they can move even larger objects, showcasing their incredible collective strength.
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Ants claim the record for the fastest movement in the animal kingdom. The trap jaw ant can snap its jaws shut at 140 mph, using this speed to capture prey or defend itself. Imagine the impact if it bit you—yikes!
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Ants inhabit every continent except Antarctica. It's quite ironic given their name, considering they thrive in nearly every environment around the world.
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Ants are social insects living in colonies, or formicaries, which include one or more egg-laying queens and numerous female worker ants. These workers build and maintain the nest, forage for food, and care for the young. Male ants, equipped with wings, only mate with the queen.
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Ants lack ears and some even lack eyes! They 'listen' by sensing ground vibrations through their feet. Eye-less species like driver ants use antenna for communication. They also release pheromones to signal danger, mark food trails, and attract mates—a true ant love potion!
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The largest ant nest ever discovered spanned over 3,700 miles in Argentina, 2000. This colossal colony combined 33 ant populations into one massive supercolony, featuring millions of nests and billions of workers!
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