The world’s first-ever ant map, showing the distribution of the tiny industrious creatures around the globe, has been launched by the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The colourful interactive antmaps.org website took four years to complete and displays the geographic locations of nearly 15,000 types of ant. Australian state Queensland is home to the highest number of native species, at more than 1,400.
Antmaps, a joint project between Guenard and Evan Economo, a professor at the Okinawa Institute of Sciences and Technology graduate school, also differentiates ants that are native to a region and species which were imported. Ants are an interesting species as there is a lot that they do that showcases teamwork and construction to support their own ‘world’ and ‘system’, for example. However, not all ants are a welcome addition as some will infest homes through cracks in the foundation or poorly sealed windows that have given them easy access which can disrupt the structure and cause issues. They can even come in by being on you without you realizing it. That is why companies such as Proactive Pest Control as well as others within the industry, will be called in to deal with a growing infestation. Early spotting and action can stop problems from developing that may cause structural damage which can cost a lot of money in the process.
- An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight.
- Some queen ants can live for many years and have millions of babies!
- Ants don’t have ears. Ants “hear” by feeling vibrations in the ground through their feet.
- When ants fight, it is usually to the death!
- Ants communicate and cooperate by using chemicals (pheromones) that can alert others to danger or lead them to a promising food source.
- The average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the name of the acid present in Ant’s Venom?
What is the Family Name for Ants?
