Ants are social insects of the family Formicidae and are closely related to wasps and bees. Known for their highly organized colony structure, ants play vital roles in ecosystems as predators, herbivores, and scavengers. They exhibit a wide range of complex behaviors, such as farming fungi, tending aphids for honeydew, and constructing elaborate nests. Ant colonies typically consist of sterile female workers, fertile males (drones), and fertile females (queens). Communication within and between colonies occurs through pheromones, which are chemical signals that can convey intricate messages about food, danger, and colony activities. With over 12,000 species identified, ants are found in nearly every terrestrial habitat on Earth, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and ecological diversity.
Researchers discovered that ferns, like flowering plants, evolved nectaries to attract ant bodyguards around 135 million years ago. This evolutionary adaptation occurred as ferns moved…
A new study examines the way ant ‘rafts’ come together to ensure survival during floods. Fire ants form rafts to survive flooding, but how do…
A team of entomologists has discovered a rare blue ant, named Paraparatrechina neela, in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The find, part of the Siang Valley biodiversity…
Caffeine increases the navigational efficiency of Argentine ants towards sugary baits, suggesting a new method to enhance the effectiveness of pest control efforts. Research on…
New research conducted by the University of Western Australia has discovered a new species of subterranean ant that shares some traits with a well-known Harry…
In the sun-baked Pilbara region of northwestern Australia, researchers have discovered a mysterious creature from the shadows – a new ant species of the elusive…
A fossilized ant-mimicking spider reveals the evolutionary tactics spiders use to avoid predators, emphasizing the adaptive benefits of mimicry in the spider kingdom. Arachnophobia can…
Human activity is leading to the global redistribution of ants, with a new study in Nature Communications from the Department of Ecology and Evolution at…
What makes the little old ant think he can disrupt the life of an African lion? Researchers say it’s more than just high hopes. In…
Researchers uncovered the survival strategy of Siler Collingwoodi spiders through imperfect ant mimicry, challenging the traditional emphasis on perfect mimicry in predator evasion. In the…
Michelle Kirchner’s discovery of a rare ant colony in North Carolina sheds light on a species previously little understood, prompting further ecological research. There’s a…
Research reveals that honeypot ant honey possesses strong antimicrobial qualities. Researchers have found that the honey produced by ants native to Australia possesses unique anti-microbial…
It takes over the brains of ants, causing them to cling to blades of grass against their will. The lancet liver fluke has an exceptional…
The study confirmed that the red fire ant, considered one of the most invasive species in the world, and the 5th most costly to combat,…
The invasive red fire ant, native to South America, has been officially identified in Sicily, marking its introduction to Europe. Researchers warn of its potential…
New research reveals how leaf-cutting ants carve leaf portions. While they may not possess the ability to jump over high buildings in a single leap,…
Ants have a specialized communication processing center that has not been found in other social insects. A new study reveals that ants communicate danger through…
Scientists have engineered the first transgenic ants to gain insights into the ants’ olfactory system. They found that alarm pheromones only activate specific areas in…