Ants

Ants are one of the most fascinating insects that we can encounter in our environment. Their complex social organisation, diversity of species and unusual body structure make it worth exploring their world. We invite you to read an article in which you will discover the secrets of ants’ life, their habits and the functioning of colonies. Find out more about our little friends!

Characteristics and diversity of ants

The ant is an insect known to many people around the world, characterised by an exceptional diversity of species and a fascinating social organisation. These small but extremely complex creatures inhabit almost every continent, adapting to different environmental conditions. In Poland, there are also many species of ants that can be found in forests, gardens and parks. Ants are characterised by their division into castes, where, in addition to queens and workers, there are also males who take care of the continuation of the species.

The diversity of ant species is impressive, and in Poland you can find, among others:

• The red wood ant (Formica rufa) – one of the most common ants, known for building large anthills.
• pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) – a small, yellowish species, often found in warm rooms.
• meadow ant (Formica pratensis) – prefers dry meadows and open spaces.
• The black ant (Lasius niger) – often seen in gardens and on lawns.

Each species of ant has its own unique characteristics and adaptations that allow it to survive in different environments, which makes them extremely interesting objects of study. Thanks to their species diversity, ants play an important role in ecosystems, co-creating complex relationships with other organisms.

The social organisation of ants

The social organisation of ants is extremely complex and precisely hierarchical. In an ant colony, there are several main castes, each with specific functions. At the top is the queen, whose purpose is to lay eggs and ensure the continuity of the colony. Queens are often the longest-living members of the community and their role is crucial for the survival of the colony. Another important group are the workers, sterile females who do most of the work in the colony. The workers collect food, build and maintain the anthill, take care of the brood and defend the colony against intruders.

There is also a caste of males, which have one main role: reproduction. Their life is relatively short and they often die after fulfilling their function. This social structure, in which each group has specific tasks, makes the ant colony function extremely effectively. The hierarchy of ants is stable and the roles are clearly defined, which allows for the harmonious cooperation of all members of the community. The social organisation of ants enables them to adapt to different environmental conditions and survive effectively for many years.

Ants‘ body structure

Ants’ body structure is very interesting and consists of three main segments: the head, the thorax and the abdomen. The ant’s head is equipped with powerful jaws, which enable it to carry food and defend itself against enemies. The head also has eyes, which enable it to orientate itself in its environment, and antennae, which act as sensory organs, enabling it to communicate and detect scents. Another important part of the ant’s body is the trunk, to which the ant’s legs are attached – three pairs of strong legs that allow for efficient movement in various environmental conditions.

The trunk consists of several segments, each of which fulfils a specialised function, such as carrying loads or building the anthill. The last segment of the body is the abdomen, which contains most of the internal organs, including the digestive and reproductive systems. The abdomen is also where the glands are located that produce various pheromones, which play a key role in the social communication of ants. Thanks to their complex body structure, ants are able to fulfil their tasks effectively and adapt to many different environments.

Ant nests and their diversity

Ant nests are extremely diverse structures that are perfectly adapted to the specific needs and environment in which they live. An anthill can take many different forms, from simple tunnels in the ground to complex mounds made of pine needles, sand or clay. In Poland, where many species of ants are found, we encounter both small, inconspicuous nests hidden under stones and impressive constructions of species such as the red wood ant. Each colony has its own unique nest structure that reflects the hierarchy and division of roles within the community.

The structure of ant nests is also diverse in terms of the functions and tasks that the individual parts of the anthill fulfil. The depth and complexity of the tunnels can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species prefer to build on the surface, creating visible mounds, while others prefer to hide their nests deep in the ground. The internal organisation of an anthill often includes dedicated chambers, such as pantries, nurseries for larvae, and spaces for the queen. Such diversity and complexity of ant nest construction is a testament to their extraordinary adaptability and the intricacies of the social life of these fascinating insects.

The formation of new colonies

The formation of new colonies is a process that plays a key role in the life of ants. It usually starts with the so-called swarming, which is a mating period during which mature males and young queens leave their native anthill. After mating, the males usually die and the fertilised queens look for a suitable place to found a new colony. The new colony can be established in different places, depending on the species of ant – from sandy soils through cracks in tree bark to spaces under stones.

The construction stages of a new anthill are complex and can take from a few weeks to a few months. First, the queen digs a small tunnel in which she lays her first eggs. The hatched larvae are fed by the queen until they develop into worker ants. These first worker ants gradually take over the tasks in the colony, starting with the expansion of the anthill and the procurement of food. This process allows for the stable formation of colonies and ensures the continuity of ant life. The new ant colony develops a complex social and spatial structure, reflecting the adaptability of these fascinating insects.

Ant life in an anthill

Life in an anthill is a complex and organised process in which each resident is assigned specific functions. The ants’ daily routine is one of constant work and cooperation, which allows the entire colony to function smoothly. The workers, who make up the majority of the colony, are responsible for gathering food, caring for the larvae and building and maintaining the nest. Their daily duties also include defending the nest from intruders, which often requires great courage and determination.

The interactions between the inhabitants of the anthill are surprisingly complex and based on a precise communication system. Ants communicate mainly through pheromones, which convey information about food, danger or the location of new building sites. The role of the queen is also crucial – she lays the eggs from which the next generations of ants hatch. The males, who fulfil reproductive functions, rarely leave the anthill and their only task is to reproduce. Thanks to this structure and division of roles, life in the anthill is efficient and the colony can survive and develop for many years.

Systematics and classification of ants

The systematics of ants is complicated and based on a precise classification that takes into account the species diversity and morphological characteristics of these insects. Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae, which includes more than 12,000 described species worldwide. The classification of ants is based primarily on the body structure, genetics and ecology of individual species. In Poland, there are many different types of ants that can be found in various environments, such as forests, meadows, gardens and parks.

Types of ants differ in size, colour, behaviour and environmental preferences. The most important types of ants in Poland include Lasius, Formica and Myrmica, each with unique characteristics. Lasius niger, or the black ant, is often found in gardens and lawns, while Formica rufa, known as the red ant, builds large anthills in forests. The systematics of ants and their precise classification allow for a better understanding of the relationship between individual species, their ecological roles and the ways in which they adapt to different environmental conditions. Thanks to this information, we can study ants more closely and appreciate their extraordinary adaptability and importance in ecosystems.

Reproduction and development of ant larvae

The reproduction process of ants is a key element of their life and the functioning of the colony. The reproduction of ants usually starts with the so-called swarming, during which winged males and young queens leave the mother anthill in search of partners to mate with. After fertilisation, the males die and the fertilised queens start looking for a place to found a new colony. The eggs laid by the queen develop into ant larvae, which are carefully fed and protected by the queen until they develop into worker ants.

The development of ant larvae involves several stages, from hatching from the eggs to passing through the pupal stage and then to adulthood. During the larval phase, the young ants are completely dependent on the care and protection of the queen and the first workers. Over time, new generations of workers begin to forage for food and expand the anthill on their own. Each phase of development is of great importance for the stability and survival of the colony. The reproduction and development of ants is a fascinating process that shows the extraordinary adaptability of these insects and their ability to create complex social structures.

Ant species found in Poland

In Poland, we can find many interesting ant species, which are characterised by diverse characteristics and environmental preferences. The ant species found in Poland include both the commonly known ones and the more unique ones, which are often easily overlooked. Here are a few of them:

• Red wood ants (Formica rufa) – known for building large anthills in coniferous forests, often in national parks.

• Meadow ant (Formica pratensis) – prefers dry meadows and open spaces, often found in fields and meadows.
• Black ant (Lasius niger) – one of the most commonly seen species, often found in gardens, on lawns and in anthills hidden under stones.
• Camponotus herculeanus – the largest species of ant in Poland, often found in old trees and wooden structures.
• Formica polyctena – forms large mounds made of pine needles, usually found in mixed forests.
• Yellow ant (Lasius flavus) – a small yellow species that prefers sunny places, often found on dry hills.

Ant nutrition and social behaviour

Ants have a very diverse diet, depending on the species and the availability of resources in their habitat. Ants are omnivores, which means they can eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet often includes nectar, honeydew, seeds, fungi, and small insects and their larvae. Some species, such as the black garden ant (Lasius niger), collect honeydew produced by aphids, with which they live in symbiosis. Others, such as the pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis), prefer food scraps found in human homes.

The social behaviour of ants in terms of nutrition is particularly interesting. The workers responsible for obtaining food leave the anthill in search of food, which they then transport to the nest. Communication between ants takes place via pheromones, which allows for the effective distribution of tasks and the rapid transmission of information about the food sources found. In the anthill, food is distributed among all castes, which ensures the harmonious functioning of the colony. Thanks to this organised system, the feeding of the ants is efficiently managed, which supports the development and survival of the entire community.