The ants are common insects that come in different varieties. They are distinguished by their surprising organization, since the colonies are coordinated around a queen and worker ants with defined functions.
Do you know how many types of ants there are? If you are interested in knowing the different varieties, among which some poisonous species stand out, then no you must miss this item. Keep reading!
Characteristics of ants
Ants are among the world's most common insects. They are capable of surviving in almost all habitats and, on occasion, colonies so abundant that they become a pest that is quite difficult for humans to control.
But, How many types of ants are there? It is estimated that there are around 20,000 species of ants. Although each species has different behaviors and characteristics, there are several elements that they have in common. Among them, it is possible to mention the following:
- Feeding: Most ant species feed on the natural juices of fruits and flowers, while others feed on of plants. In addition, there are some carnivorous species that consume dead insects, such as flies and cockroaches.
- Habitat and coexistence: they live all over the world, except for Antarctica and some remote islands. They usually build anthills on earth and wood, although they are also organized on the walls of houses and buildings. All species live in colonies numbering up to 10,000 members. In most anthills there is only one queen, although in certain species we can find two and even three.
- Lifespan: An ant's longevity depends on its species, but most ants live only a few months, like maximum, they reach the year of life.
- Behavior and organization: Ants are very social animals and, at the same time, very organized. Thanks to this, there are different types of ants in a colony. They share the work of maintaining the anthill in such a way that each individual has a specific function. The objective is to guarantee the welfare of the colony and the protection of each of its members. In addition, they are very jealous of their home, they do not allow other types of ants in a colony.
Now, do you know the species of ants that exist? Here are some of them.
Poisonous Ants
Ants they defend themselves through bites These can be insignificant for people, but lethal for certain animals, especially if they are insects Despite this, there is a great variety of ant species that are poisonous, which trigger complications or cause death.
These are some of the types of poisonous ants:
1. Bullet Ant
The bullet ant or Paraponera clavata is found in South America, in countries such as Nicaragua, Paraguay, Venezuela, Brazil and Honduras It owes its name to the pain caused by its bite, very similar to that caused by a bullet impact. It is considered thirty times more painful than a wasp sting. After a bite, an erythema may occur accompanied by chills, sweating and even numbness of the affected limb.
two. Bulldog Ant
The bulldog ant, Australian giant ant or Myrmecia is located in Australia and New Caledonia It is characterized by its enormous yellow jaw, in addition to its reddish and brown tones. It has a powerful poison capable of generating a powerful burn on the skin that can leave permanent marks.
3. Black Fire Ant
The black fire ant or Solenopsis richteri has a deep black color with shades of fire, as its name indicates, and the distinguishes a particularly aggressive behavior It does not usually attack humans, unless provoked. As for its sting, it has a very strong and poisonous bite, capable of becoming an annoying and persistent pain, similar to a wasp sting.
4. African Ant
The African ant, Pachycondyla analis or Megaponera foetens, is one of the most dangerous species in the world and lives inSenegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Togo They measure between 18 and 5 mm and have a stinger and strong triangular jaws, capable of piercing human skin. Their neurotoxic poison is particularly powerful, paralyzing their victims.
Other types of ants
There are millions of ants around the world, belonging to the thousands of species that have been recorded. However, not all of them are poisonous. In general, the types of house ants are usually harmless and their possible bites do not represent a problem for people.
These are some of the most widely distributed ant species around the world:
5. Carpenter Ant
The carpenter ant, belonging to the genus Camponotus, is a species that inhabits America, Europe and AfricaIt owes its name to the fact that they build their nests in wood, which can have devastating consequences for the environment: the colonies expand and cause extensive damage to tree structures. In general, carpenter ants take refuge in rotten wood to make their nests, since this meets the right conditions of humidity and temperature to keep them alive.
They are polymorphic, which means that all individuals have different sizes Their colors can vary from black, red, yellow and dark brown. As for their diet, they do not eat wood, their diet is based on dead insects, sweet substances from plants, flowers and fruits, as well as meat and fat.
6. Argentine Ant
The Argentine ant or Linepithema humile is endemic to Argentina, Paraguay and UruguayIt is currently distributed in many other countries due to the action of man, and is also considered a pest. This is the last of the types of ants that we are going to mention. It measures around 2 and 3 mm, but they are especially aggressive, carrying out battles for control of territory , also covering large areas. Their action causes the death of native species in the areas they invade, causing irreversible changes in the ecosystem.
7. Leafcutter Ant
We call "leafcutter ant" more than 40 species belonging to the Atta and Acromyrmex genera. They are mainly characterized by their complex social organization, since the colony is divided into different classes known as castes: there is the queen, the soldiers, the foragers and the gardeners. In the leafcutter colony, each individual has a specific goal to accomplish, starting with the queen, who is in charge of finding suitable nests and reproducing.
While the soldiers protect the colony from external threats, the foragers are in charge of digging the tunnels and looking for food for the other ants. The gardeners, for their part, are in charge of caring for the cultivation of fungi, larvae and developing eggs. This species of field ant is found from Panama to northern Argentina It can cause great economic damage, as it attacks various types of plants and crops, such as cassava, coffee, corn and sugar cane.
8. Odorous house ant
The Odorous house ant or Tapinoma sessile is also known as the sugar ant or coconut ant. It is native to United States It owes its name to the fact that it gives off a very strong odor when crushed. This type of house ant builds its home under rocks, logs, debris, or other objects, including cracks in walls and floors.
The species does not have a schedule to search for food or "forage", they can do so at any time of the day. Their diet consists of fruits, insects, and nectar. Populations of the odorous house ant can become pests if the conditions in which the colonies spread are not controlled.
9. Red Wood Ant
The red wood ant or Formica rufa European fire ant is very common in Europe. It creates large and visible colonies in leafy forests, inhabited by around 200,000 individuals They are omnivorous animals, feeding on invertebrates, fungi and vegetables. They are capable of making strong bites.
10. Barn Ant
The barn ant or Messor barbarus spreads throughout Spain, Italy, France and MoroccoThey create nests on the ground and are strictly granivorous animals. This species stands out for its hygiene, as they are constantly cleaning themselves and the nest. The size of the soldier ant's head is also surprising.
How to have an anthill at home?
More and more people want to make a homemade anthill and house surprising species in it, however, it is very important that we inform ourselves beforehand about the species to prevent the introduction of an invasive species into our country.
