Ants are social insects known for their organized colonies and diligent work ethic. Observers often notice them carrying small, white objects, sparking curiosity about their nature and purpose. This article clarifies what these objects are and the adaptive reasons for their constant relocation within the colony.
The Ant’s Developing Young
The white objects ants frequently carry are their developing young, collectively known as brood. Ants undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first three stages—eggs, larvae, and pupae—are white or pale and are the ones workers are seen moving.
Ant eggs are the initial stage, appearing as tiny, oval, translucent white specks less than a millimeter long. They are soft, gelatinous, and sticky, helping workers carry them in clusters. Larvae hatch as grub-like, legless creatures that are white or yellowish-white. Larvae are feeding machines, growing rapidly and relying entirely on adult workers for nourishment.
The third stage is the pupa, which forms after the larva has grown sufficiently. Pupae are the resting stage where metamorphosis into an adult ant occurs. They are white or creamy and may or may not be enclosed in a silken cocoon, depending on the ant species.
Reasons for Relocation
Ants constantly move their brood within the nest for several adaptive reasons, reflecting intricate colony management. A primary reason is to maintain optimal environmental conditions, as different developmental stages require specific temperature and humidity levels. Worker ants transport eggs, larvae, and pupae to various chambers to protect them from extreme heat, cold, or dryness, often moving them to warmer areas for faster development or drier regions for pupae.
Another factor for relocation is protection from various threats. If the nest is disturbed by predators, parasites, or a breach, workers swiftly move the vulnerable brood to safer, deeper parts of the colony. This minimizes the risk of harm to the colony’s future workforce. Brood relocation also occurs during nest maintenance and expansion. As the colony grows or existing chambers become unsuitable, ants move their young to newly constructed or cleaned areas.
The movement of larvae is also closely tied to feeding and care. Larvae, unable to forage, are moved to locations where worker ants can efficiently feed them proteins and other nutrients. Worker ants also participate in trophallaxis, sharing liquid food with larvae and other colony members. This constant, coordinated transport ensures the brood receives necessary resources and protection to develop into adult ants, contributing to the colony’s overall survival and success.