Interesting facts about ants
Ants are insects from the Hymenoptera order and are responsible for the cycling of organic matter, preying on some insect pests of lawns and helping on soil aeration. On the other hand, they can infest structures, promoting damage and destruction of building structures as well as food.
They can also carry diseases through their bodies that can be spread to food plants, restaurants, and hospitals. Some species of ants are poisonous, due to their venomous stings and bites with formic acid. Check out more interesting facts about ants underneath.
Types of ants
There are over 13,000 identified species of ants. Here some of the most common ones.
Carpenter Ant
These polymorphic workers measure 7 – 13mm, live in hollow areas above the ground, feed on a variety of plant and animal materials and are considered a nuissance.
Crazy Ant
These monomorphic workers measure 2 – 4mm, have long anteannae and legs and have a fast, jerky and erratic running behaviour. They have a seasonal preference for a high-protein diet.
Argentine Ant
These monomorphic workers measure about 3,5mm, build huge colonies and are very difficult to control with baits. They have more than one queen.
Ghost Ant
These monomorphic workers measure just 2mm, have a dark head and thorax but white legs. They’re easily transported through plant vases and are able to make multiple nests.
Pharaoh Ant
These monomorphic workers measure just 2mm, have a dark head and thorax but white legs. They’re easily transported through plant vases and are able to make multiple nests.
Fire Ant
These monomorphic workers measure just 2mm, have a dark head and thorax but white legs. They’re easily transported through plant vases and are able to make multiple nests.