Ants are social insects, adept at teamwork, and each individual has a clear division of labor. So what are the living environment and characteristics of ants? Let's find out.
Ants' living environment and characteristics
Ants live in various environments, including underground nests, tree nests, and some even build nests under rocks or among leaves. Their nests are characterized by their tightly constructed structure, primarily consisting of tunnels and chambers, which not only support the entire ant colony but also protect them from external environmental attacks.
What types of members are there in the ant family?
1. Queen Ant
The queen ant, also known as the ant queen, is a fertile female ant that is solely responsible for laying eggs and reproducing. She is usually the mother of all the ants in the colony. The size and number of queen ants vary depending on the species; some species have only one queen ant in their nests, while others may have hundreds.
2. Male ants
Male ants, also called father ants, have small, round heads, underdeveloped mandibles, and long, thin antennae. They also have well-developed reproductive organs and external genitalia, and their main function is to mate with the queen.
3. Worker ants
Worker ants are generally the smallest individuals in the colony, but they are the most numerous. They are infertile female termites. Their main duties are building and expanding the nest, collecting food, and feeding the larvae and queen.
4. Soldier ants
Ant colonies are specialized worker ants within ant societies, dedicated to defending the nest. Their heads are relatively long and highly ossified, with particularly well-developed mandibles resembling large pincers—powerful weapons for defense.
5. Other
Some ant families may also contain other special members, such as red imported fire ants, termites, and ants, but these members also have unique characteristics and habits within their ant families.
