Ants are insects that belong to the order Hymenoptera. Three castes form: males, females and workers. Ants live in large nests called anthills. They can create them in wood, in soil, under stones. There are also species that live in nests of other ants.
Currently, these insects can live even in the human home. Many are now considered pests. They feed mainly on the juice of various plants, as well as other insects. There are species that can eat seeds or cultivated fungi.
For the first time, ants were discovered by entomologist Erich Wassmann. He also wrote about them in his scientific work.
In this article, we will cover 10 interesting facts about ants for children.
10. The species Paraponera clavata is called "bullet ants"
Not many know about this kind of ants like Paraponera clavata. Locals call them "bullet ants». They got such an unusual nickname because of their poison, which acts on a person for a day.
This kind of ants lives in Central and South America. They have a very strong poison, which in strength has no equal even with wasps and bees. The insects are only 25 mm long, but their sting is 3.5 mm.
During the study of the poison, a paralyzing peptide was discovered. It is worth noting that in some tribes of ants it is used as some rites. These include the initiation of boys.
Children wear gloves in their hands that are completely stuffed with these insects. After receiving a huge dose of poison, temporary paralysis occurs. Sensitivity returns only after a few days.
9. Some of the smartest insects
Ants are very smart and amazing insects. Their life is subject only to a strict algorithm. They have existed since the advent of dinosaurs on our planet. But, nevertheless, they were able to save many species to this day. Currently, there are about ten quadrillion individuals.
It is worth noting that ants can communicate well. This helps them find food, as well as mark the way to it and help their brethren in the nest.
These amazing insects can not only protect food supplies, but also store them in themselves. Mostly they can tolerate honey in their small stomachs.
8. The queen can live up to 30 years
Many scientists believe that anthills have similarities with human cities. Each such place has its own distribution of responsibilities.
"Soldiers" ants protect the uterus (the queen of all ants), as well as other insects from enemies. Simple "workers" stack housing, expand it. Others simply collect food.
It is worth noting that ants can come together in a single whole to save their queen. Surprisingly, the female has nothing to do with the name. Her duty, which she firmly fulfills, is reproduction and nothing more.
The queen can live much longer than her subordinates, living with her under the “same roof”. The queen of ants can live up to 30 years.
7. The largest colony covers an area of 6 thousand km2
In Europe, as well as the United States, Argentinean ants live, which form a huge colony. It is known as the largest ant colony in the world. Its territory covers 6 thousand km2. But, to the surprise of many, it was created by man.
Initially, this species was found only in South America, but thanks to people, it has spread everywhere. Already earlier Argentinean ants created large colonies. But this species is considered a parasite, as it brings great discomfort to the animals and the crop.
The ants are all friendly to each other, which is why they can easily be near. Their colonies can stretch to several tens of kilometers.
6. Able to take “prisoners” and make them work for themselves
Not many people know that in the northeastern United States such species of ants that constantly raid other colonies and take them prisoner.
This species is called Protomognathus americanus. Ants kill all adults in the colony, and then take larvae and eggs with them. They grow and feed them as their own.
In one colony of such slaves there can be up to 70 individuals. Since ancient times, they have been leading the image of slaveholders. As soon as the slave ants begin to exude a peculiar smell, their masters kill them or stop caring for them.
5. There are nomad ants
Nomad ants live in Asia and America.. Such species do not build their nests, as they constantly move from one place to another.
They can move both day and night. They calmly tolerate long distances - from one to 3 km per day. Such species feed not only on seeds, but also on insects and even small birds. For this they are often called "Killers."
Nomad ants can take alien larvae and eggs with them. Sometimes there are so many insects, about a hundred thousand. Each of them is subject to a certain hierarchy. The bulk are ordinary workers. But the main figure remains - the queen (female).
4. Form “living bridges” from their bodies to overcome obstacles
The surprising fact is that many species of ants are able to create living from their own bodies "bridges». This helps them cross the river or pond.
These include the genus of ants called Eciton.
Once at one of the universities conducted an experiment that proved that some species can even sacrifice themselves for the sake of other brothers.
3. Each ant colony has its own smell.
Each ant has its own specific smell.. This helps him communicate with other relatives. Each ant family will immediately feel a stranger next to it or their own.
Thus, the smell helps insects search for food and warn of impending danger. The same goes for an ant colony. Each of them has its own unique smell. “Alien” cannot pass through such barriers.
2. The bite of a black bulldog ant is deadly
In the world, this type of ants is known as a bulldog. They are considered the most aggressive. Among others stand out for their size. Their appearance reaches about 4.5 centimeters. The body is often compared to wasp. When people see such ants, they try to avoid, as their bite is fatal for humans.
Statistics say that 3-5 percent of people stung by bulldog ants die. The poison will almost instantly enter the bloodstream. It is worth noting that this species is capable of jumping. The largest jump has a range of 40 to 50 cm.
Most often, such insects can be found in Australia. They prefer wetter areas for living. The level of pain of a bite is compared with a bite of three wasps at once.
After a bite, a person first begins to have severe redness and itching throughout the body. Then the heat rises.
Sometimes, if a person is not allergic, then from one insect there can be nothing. But if 2-3 ants bite immediately, then this can already lead to death.
1. In many cultures, a symbol of hard work.
Many people believe that ants are a symbol of patience, zeal and hard work.. For example, the Romans identified their place near the goddess Tsecera, who was responsible for the strength of the earth, as well as the growth and ripening of fruits.
In China, ants had the status of order and virtue. But in Buddhism and Hinduism, the activity of ants was compared with useless occupation.