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Facts About Ants 🐜 - Secret Nature | Ant Documentary | Natural History Channel

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an ant eating air and is dumper than dumper and here is a link https://antark.net/links/

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How to Use Ant Design Skeleton Loader in ReactJS and Customize Skeleton Shapes and add Animation

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this is a ants body with everything labled

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Circulatory System - Woodpecker Greeting Worker Ant

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Adam & The Ants - Stand And Deliver (Video)

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this is a picture of an ants heart a part of the circulatory system

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this shows a photo of the circulatory system in action

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this shows all of the different parts of the body

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i Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

Despite their tiny size, ants rely on both internal and external organs to carry out their necessary biological functions. Among other things, ants must digest food, nourish and ventilate their tissues and collect and process data from the outside world. In addition to a few organs analogous to those of humans, ants possess some organs that are unlike anything inside human bodies.

Tiny Tickers

While ants use a fluid somewhat analogous to blood for nourishing their tissues, it is not contained within vessels as it is in vertebrates. Rather, the "blood" - technically termed hemolymph - flows freely throughout their bodies. While they lack a proper heart, they do have a pumping organ called a dorsal aorta that pumps blood towards the head, achieving a small current. Unlike blood, hemolymph does not carry oxygen; so, ants - and all other insects - lack lungs entirely. Instead, ants breathe through a set of tubes called tracheae. Air enters and exits the tracheal system through a series of holes called spiracles.

Structure and Stingers

Ants move by using muscles, just as humans do. However, like all other insects, ants lack internal skeletons; instead, they use strong, chitinous exoskeletons for support and protection. Many ants are capable of injecting or spraying formic acid, and most do so by means of a stinger and venom gland. As with the rest of the hymenopterans - a group primarily comprised of ants, bees and wasps - these stingers are modified egg-laying formations called ovipositors, only sterile females possess.

Digestive Organs

Ants have a digestive system that is broadly similar to that of vertebrates - they take food in through a mouth, pass it to a stomach and ultimately excrete the waste from a rectum. Like many other animals, ants have crops used to temporarily hold food. In the case of ants, the crop stores food for transport back to the nest.

Sensory and Control Organs

While ants have very different eyes from those of humans, they perform the same basic function, and collect visual information about their surroundings. However, rather than their eyes, ants rely heavily on their antennae, which collect tactile and chemical from the environment. This and other information travels as electrical impulses along nerve cells to reach the brain, which processes the data and sends out command signals to the body.

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Despite their tiny size, ants rely on both internal and external organs to carry out their necessary biological functions. Among other things, ants must digest food, nourish and ventilate their tissues and collect and process data from the outside world. In addition to a few organs analogous to ...

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Ants, those tiny creatures that scurry around tirelessly, are truly remarkable insects. With their intricate societies, complex communication systems, and unbelievable strength relative to their size, ants have captivated our curiosity for centuries. However, amidst all the marvels of these miniature organisms, a question arises: Do ants have hearts?

Brief Overview of Ants as Remarkable Insects

Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera and are closely related to bees and wasps. They have been wildly successful in adapting to various environments across the globe, colonizing almost every landmass except Antarctica. With over 12,000 known species of ants discovered so far, they display an incredible diversity in size, coloration, behavior, and habitat preferences.

Ants are social insects that live in colonies composed of individuals with different tasks or castes such as queens (reproductive females), males (drones), and workers (sterile females). These colonies of worker ants exhibit impressive coordination and division of labor, enabling them to build elaborate nests or anthills underground or within trees.

Do Ants Have Hearts?

The idea of ants having hearts may seem peculiar since we typically associate hearts with larger animals like mammals. However, when it comes to understanding an ant's circulatory system more comprehensively, this question becomes crucial.

In humans and many other animals like birds or reptiles, the heart embodies a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body via a network of blood vessels. But do ants possess a similar mechanism to pump blood around?

Could there be an equivalent structure serving as their "heart"? To unravel this mystery and explore the fascinating world hidden within an ant's body, let us delve into their anatomy and circulatory system.

Anatomy of an Ant

Ants are fascinating creatures that belong to the insect family, Formicidae. They are known for their highly organized societies and impressive teamwork. To understand whether ants have hearts, we first need to explore their anatomy.

Ants possess a segmented body structure, which consists of three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head houses most ants' vital sensory and control organs that allow ants to interact with the environment.

They have compound eyes that help them collect visual information and detect light. Additionally, they possess antennae, which serve as highly sensitive appendages used for communication and detecting chemical signals in their surroundings.

Moving on to the thorax of queen ants, this region is responsible for supporting the six legs that enable ants to scurry swiftly across surfaces. Inside the thorax lies one chamber of the ant's circulatory system - an elongated tube known as the dorsal aorta.

We have the abdomen, which contains most of an ant's vital organs such as its digestive system and reproductive organs. It is also home to another segment of the circulatory system called "aortic arches," which act as pulsating organs responsible for propelling hemolymph through blood vessels present throughout their bodies.

The Ant Circulatory System

Unlike mammals with a closed circulatory system where blood is contained within vessels at all times, ants possess an open circulatory system. This means that instead of blood traveling exclusively within designated vessels like arteries and veins, they have a circulating fluid called hemolymph that bathes their internal tissues directly. The ant's heart beats in a rhythmic pattern but differs from what we typically envision as a human ant's heart rate.

In reality, they lack a centralized organ resembling our traditional understanding of hearts. Instead, they rely on specialized structures like the dorsal aorta and aortic arches distributed throughout their bodies.

The dorsal aorta, located in the thorax, acts as the primary vessel that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the ant's body. From this main artery, a few organs and smaller vessels branch out and carry hemolymph to all the vital organs.

Functioning without a Centralized Heart

Ants have evolved to function efficiently without a centralized heart. While it may seem unconventional compared to our human circulatory system, this adaptation works well for these tiny creatures. The hemolymph plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout an ant's body and also aids in waste removal.

The absence of a centralized heart means that the circulation of hemolymph is not limited by set blood vessels. Instead, it flows more freely through interconnected spaces called sinuses or lacunae within their bodies.

This allows for efficient exchange of substances between the cells and interstitial fluid. Ants possess an intriguing anatomy that supports their unique circulatory system.

Although they lack a traditional centralized heart like mammals, they have adapted with specialized structures distributed throughout their bodies to ensure effective circulation of their vital circulatory fluid - hemolymph. Understanding how these systems work helps us appreciate the intricate biology present even within small creatures like ants.

The Ant Circulatory System

Insects, including ants, possess an open circulatory system. Unlike the closed circulatory system found in humans and other vertebrates, where blood is enclosed within vessels, ants rely on a different mechanism to transport vital fluids throughout their bodies.

Instead of blood vessels, they have a network of interconnected spaces called hemocoel that bathes their organs and tissues directly. This hemolymph is equivalent to the blood in our bodies and plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients, hormones, and immune cells.

Ants' Version of a "Heart"

While ants do not have a centralized heart like the human heart pumping blood through arteries and veins, they possess unique structures that aid in circulating hemolymph effectively. One key component is the dorsal aorta, which acts as the main channel carrying hemolymph along the ant's abdomen. It functions similarly to major arteries but without muscular contraction for propulsion.

The role of pulsating organs called "aortic arches" further contributes to circulation of ant organs. These arches are present throughout the ant's body and act as auxiliary pumps.

They rhythmically contract and relax to create pressure gradients that help propel hemolymph forward through the various interconnected spaces. This coordinated pulsation ensures proper distribution of essential fluids within an ant's segmented body.

The open circulatory system present in ants might seem quite different from our closed circulatory system with its intricate network of blood vessels, but it serves ants remarkably well. The absence of rigid tubes allows for flexibility in accommodating changes in body size during growth or accommodating environmental conditions such as squeezing through narrow passages within an ant colony or underground tunnels.

With this understanding of how the ant's circulatory system operates, let's explore some fascinating facts about these tiny creatures' hearts.

Functioning without a centralized heart

Comparison with human circulatory system

When it comes to the circulatory systems of ants and humans, there are some intriguing differences. While humans have a closed circulatory system with a centralized heart, ants possess an open circulatory system, lacking a central pump.

In our bodies, the heart propels blood through a network of vessels, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach all organs and tissues. However, ants have evolved a unique mechanism to achieve similar results without a traditional heart.

Hemolymph - the ant's blood equivalent

Instead of blood like fluid found in humans (containing red blood cells), ants have hemolymph flowing through their bodies. Hemolymph can be considered as an equivalent to our human blood, but with some differences. It is not contained within vessels like our circulatory system; instead, it flows freely within the ant's open body cavity called the hemocoel, bathing their organs directly.

This fluid serves multiple purposes beyond just transporting nutrients and oxygen. The composition of ant hemolymph consists of water along with various proteins, ions, hormones, and cells called hemocytes dispersed within it.

The primary function of an ant's hemolymph is to transport nutrients from the digestive system to different organs and tissues throughout the ant's body. Additionally, it plays essential roles in waste removal by carrying metabolic byproducts away for excretion.

Ants are fascinating creatures because their unique adaptations allow them to thrive despite not having a centralized heart or traditional circulatory system like ours. Their decentralized open circulatory system enables efficient distribution of resources without relying on high-pressure pumping mechanisms like human hearts do.

Overall, while ants may lack what we traditionally think of as a "heart," they have developed an equally effective way - through their open circulatory systems using hemolymph - to ensure the basic function of supplying nutrients and oxygen to their organs and tissues. It is yet another testament to the remarkable diversity and ingenuity found in the natural world.

Adaptations for Efficient Circulation in Ants

Ants are fascinating creatures that have evolved remarkable adaptations to facilitate their circulation despite their small size and decentralized nature. Unlike humans, ants do not have a closed circulatory system with a centralized heart pumping blood through intricate networks of blood vessels. However, they have developed alternative mechanisms to efficiently distribute vital nutrients and oxygen throughout their bodies.

One adaptation that aids circulation in ants is their small size. Due to their miniature stature, ants have a higher surface-to-volume ratio compared to larger organisms.

This means that they can exchange gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, more effectively through their body's surface area. Additionally, the decentralized nature of an ant's circulatory system minimizes the distance between cells and vital organs, allowing for rapid nutrient delivery.

Antennae and Spiracles Aiding Oxygen Exchange

Ants utilize several unique features to facilitate oxygen exchange within their bodies. One such feature is the presence of antennae on their heads ant bodies. These sensory appendages not only help ants collect visual information about their surroundings but also play a crucial role in respiration.

The thin tube-like structures present in the antennae known as tracheae allow for the diffusion of gases, enabling ants body to efficient oxygen intake while expelling carbon dioxide. In addition to antennae, spiracles are another essential component involved in respiration for ants.

Spiracles are small openings located along the sides of an ant's body or abdomen through which oxygen enters and carbon dioxide exits the insect's respiratory system. By actively opening and closing these spiracles, ants can regulate gas exchange according to metabolic demands.

Limited Distance Between Cells for Effective Nutrient Delivery

Efficient nutrient delivery is crucial for any organism's survival, including ants. Despite not having a closed circulatory system, ants have evolved a decentralized network of interconnected tubes called the dorsal vessel or "heart." This thin tube runs along the ant's back, enabling the transport of hemolymph, the ant's equivalent of blood. The absence of blood vessels necessitates an alternative mechanism for nutrient delivery.

Ants use a system known as interstitial fluid circulation. The interstitial fluid bathes the cells directly, allowing for direct exchange of nutrients and waste products.

As a result, ants have limited distance between their cells and vital organs, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery and waste removal. Ants have developed an array of adaptations similar to blood to ensure efficient circulation despite not having a closed circulatory system like humans.

Their small size, decentralized nature, antennae for oxygen exchange, spiracles for respiration regulation, and interstitial fluid circulation mechanism all contribute to their impressive ability to distribute vital resources effectively throughout their bodies. These adaptations highlight the wonders of nature's diversity and emphasize that even creatures as small as ants have intricate physiological systems that enable their survival within an ant colony or in various environments.

Fascinating Facts About Ant Hearts

Ants, with their intricate social structures and diverse species, showcase an astonishing range of heart structures. Just as ants vary in size, behavior, and ecological role, their hearts exhibit adaptations tailored to their specific needs. Let's explore some remarkable examples.

Examples include Carpenter Ants, Leafcutter Ants, etc.

Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are renowned for their ability to excavate wood and build elaborate nests. These industrious insects have relatively large hearts that enable efficient circulation throughout their robust bodies.

Their hearts exhibit complex branching patterns to deliver hemolymph-the ant's circulatory fluid-to all extremities efficiently. On the other hand, leafcutter ants (Atta spp.) are known for their proficiency in agricultural practices.

These tiny farmers cut leaves and use them as a substrate for cultivating fungi within their nests. The hearts of leafcutter ants differ from those of carpenter ants; they possess a more streamlined structure suitable for the smaller bodies of these diligent workers.

Variations in Heart Anatomy Based on Species' Needs

Interestingly, among different species of ants, variations in heart anatomy reflect specific physiological requirements dictated by varying lifestyles or ecological niches. While certain ant species have larger hearts with increased muscle mass to support demanding activities such as foraging or long-distance migrations, others may have more compact hearts optimized for energy conservation.

For instance, army ants (Eciton spp.), who embark on nomadic predatory raids in search of prey items like a terrifying army on the move, possess specialized heart adaptations. Their hearts tend to be elongated and segmented into multiple chambers to accommodate rapid changes in hemolymph distribution during dynamic hunting expeditions.

Intriguingly enough, some ant species have hearts that can adjust their pumping rate in response to external stimuli or internal conditions. This adaptability allows them to regulate circulation and respond swiftly to varying demands within the colony or even in different life stages.

The diversity in ant heart structures highlights the remarkable plasticity of these tiny organisms' circulatory systems, fine-tuned by evolutionary forces to suit their specific ecological niches. As we delve into the marvelous world of ants hearts, we uncover an astonishing array of heart adaptations that cater to their varied needs.

From carpenter ants with intricately branched hearts facilitating efficient hemolymph distribution throughout their bodies, to leafcutter ants with streamlined hearts optimized for their smaller frames, each species has its own unique cardiac architecture. These adaptations showcase nature's ingenious designs and remind us how diverse and fascinating life can be-even within the miniature universe of ants.

Evolutionary Significance

The intricate circulatory system found in ants is a testament to the wonders of evolution. Over millions of years, these fascinating creatures have adapted their circulatory system to suit their diverse lifestyles and environments.

The evolution of the ant's circulatory system has played a crucial role in their success as social insects, enabling them to thrive and survive in various conditions. One key aspect that shaped the ant's circulatory system is their transition from a closed circulatory system, like that of humans, to an open circulatory system.

This change occurred as ants evolved to become smaller in size and developed complex social structures. The adoption of an open circulatory system allowed for greater flexibility and efficiency in delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout their bodies.

Adaptation to Various Environments and Lifestyles: A Fluid Journey

The ant's adaptation to various environments is evident through its remarkable fluid transport system. Unlike humans whose red blood cells carry oxygen, ants rely on a fluid called hemolymph that serves multiple purposes within their bodies.

This hemolymph not only transports nutrients but also plays a vital role in waste removal and immune responses. In addition to adapting their circulatory systems for general survival, different ant species have further specialized based on their specific lifestyles.

For example, carpenter ants, which excavate wood galleries for nesting purposes, require greater circulation efficiency due to increased physical activity involved in nest building activities. Leafcutter ants, on the other hand, have developed an even more sophisticated circulation system as they carry heavy loads of leaf fragments back to the colony for fungal farming.

As we delve into understanding the evolutionary significance behind the ant's remarkable circulatory system, it becomes clear how nature has shaped these incredible creatures over eons. From transitioning to an open circulatory system to adapting to various environments and lifestyles, ants have developed a highly efficient means of transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout their bodies. Through evolution, the ant's circulatory system has become intricately intertwined with other vital systems such as their tracheal system for respiration and their sensory and control organs for navigation.

The decentralized nature of the ant's circulation allows for efficient nutrient delivery to cells while maintaining an impressive level of adaptability. The next time you observe a bustling column of ants or marvel at their ability to carry objects many times their body weight, take a moment to appreciate the evolutionary journey that has shaped not only their circulatory system but also the overall success of these incredible insects.

Conclusion

Recapitulation of key points on ant hearts

Throughout this exploration into the intricate world of how ants breathe, we have delved into the question of whether these fascinating creatures possess hearts. By examining their anatomy and circulatory system, it is clear that ants do not have a centralized heart like humans do.

Instead, they rely on a decentralized network of aortic arches and a dorsal aorta to pump their equivalent of blood - hemolymph - throughout their bodies. This hemolymph flows freely through their interstitial fluid and bathes all the vital organs, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery and waste removal.

Final thoughts on the marvels of nature's diversity

Studying the complex mechanisms that enable ants to survive and thrive in their environments gives us great insight into the marvels of nature's diversity. The fact that ants have evolved such an efficient circulatory system without a centralized heart is awe-inspiring. These tiny creatures have adapted to various habitats, from leafcutter ants bustling with activity in tropical rainforests to carpenter ants quietly constructing elaborate nests in our own backyards.

Their ability to communicate through chemical signals, navigate vast distances in search of resources, and work harmoniously within an ant colony showcases the remarkable intricacy and resilience found in even the smallest corners of our world. In closing, while it may be accurate to say that ants don't possess hearts as we traditionally understand them, this does not diminish their remarkable biology or importance within ecosystems worldwide.

Ants are truly captivating creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse environments. As we continue unraveling nature's mysteries, let us find inspiration in these tiny wonders and appreciate how every organism plays its part in maintaining balance on our planet.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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Decoding Ant Anatomy: Do Ants Have Hearts?

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Delve into the fascinating world of ants as we explore their intricate circulatory system and uncover the truth about ant 'hearts'.

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the ants body labled

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Like all insects, an ant's body is divided into three main parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen.﻿ Ants have a hard, waterproof exoskeleton, which is made of a material called chitin.

They are exceptionally strong for their size: they can lift 10 times their own weight!

Most ants have two large compound eyes.

They have a set of simple eyes, which consist of many (eye facets) , which detect light and shadow.

Ants also have two antennae they use to recognize their nest mates and detect enemies.

When ants find food they emit pheromones that provide scent trails so their nest mates can find the food.

Ants also have maxillary palps which detect scents.

Ants use their powerful mandibles to grasp and carry, as well as for cutting and biting.

The ant's six legs are attached to the thorax.The abdomen contains the ant's vital organs and reproductive parts. This is also called the . Ants in the formicinae subfamily have an to emit formic acid when threatened.

Ants do not breathe like we do. They take in oxygen through tiny holes all over the body called spiracles. They emit carbon dioxide through these same holes. The heart is a long tube that pumps colorless blood from the head throughout the body and then back up to the head again. The nervous system of ants consists of a long nerve cord that also runs from head to rear with branches leading to the parts of the body, kind of like a human spinal cord.

An ant has a petiole connecting the thorax to the abdomen. The petiole can be one or two segments. This feature is used to identify ant subfamilies.

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Like all insects, an ant's body is divided into three main parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen.﻿ Ants have a hard, waterproof exoskeleton, which is made of a material called chitin . They are exceptionally strong for their size: they can lift 10 times their own weight!

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https://www.pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/ants/

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https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/insects/ant-facts/

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Check out our ten favourite facts about ants that are guaranteed to blow your mind...

1. There are over 12,000 ant species worldwide

Ranging from the ant you might find scuttling across your picnic to the ants building underground fortresses in the rainforest, to flying ants!

2. The bullet ant is said to have the most painful sting in the world!

Living in humid jungle conditions such as the Amazon, their sting has been compared to being hit by a bullet - ouch!

3. Fire ants cause over £3 billion worth of damage a year!

North America's red imported fire ant might only be little, but the tiny critters have a painful bite which causes a burning sensation - hence the name "fire ant", which costs the US millions in veterinary and medical bills every year! They've also been known to cause damage to farmer's crops.

4. Ants are the longest living insects

Unlike some bugs who might only live for days or even hours, the queen ant of one particular species - the Pogonomyrmex Owyheei - can live up to 30 years - so be careful not to stand on her!

5. The ant is one of the world's strongest creatures in relation to its size

A single ant can carry 50 times its own bodyweight, and they'll even work together to move bigger objects as a group!

Ants carry leaves and twigs back to their nests!

6. Ants hold the record for the fastest movement in the animal kingdom

The aptly named species of trap jaw ant, can close its jaws at 140mph, which it uses to kill its prey or injure predators. Image if that bit you on the bum!

7. Ants can be found on every single continent except Antarctica

Ironic really, when you consider the name...

8. Ants are social insects which live in colonies

The colony, also called a formicary, is made up of one or more egg-laying queens and a large amount of female "worker" ants who tend to her, build and maintain the nest, forage for food and and care for the young.

Male ants have wings and their only function is to mate with the queen.

9. Ants don't have ears, and some of them don't have eyes!

Ants "listen" by feeling vibrations from the ground through their feet, and eye-less ants such as the driver ant species can communicate by using their antennae!

Plus, they can send chemical signals (called pheremones) released through their body to send messages to other ants! They send out warnings when danger's near, leave trails of pheremones leading to food sources and even use them to attract a mate - a sort of ant love potion!

10. The largest ant's nest ever found was over 3,700 miles wide!

Found in Argentina in 2000, the ginormous colony housed 33 ant populations which had merged into one giant supercolony, with millions of nests and billions of workers!

Images ⓒ Getty Images: Ants on leaf (483596365), Ant carrying leaf (157168347).

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10 cool facts about ants! - National Geographic Kids

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They may be small, but boy are these little critters powerful! These cool ant facts for kids are the perfect way to learn about these incredible little creatures...

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Digestive tract of ants (Jônatas Bussador do Amaral)

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ants integumentary system

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Easton Crabtree-Skeletal System of an humam

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Easton Crabtree-Skeletal System of an humam

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyf3obfGgOk&ab_channel=Maggie%27sFarm

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We think we should be concerned for the well being of farm animals and those used in experiments. But where should we draw the line? Mosquitoes? Plants? Rivers? Join philosopher and bestselling author Peter Godfrey-Smith as he argues we should draw new limits for our moral consideration.

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A fire ants home after being kicked and non active

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A fire ants home after being kicked and non active

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Language: English | French

Daniel Russ Solis, 1, a,* Mônica Lanzoni Rossi, 2, b Eduardo Gonçalves Paterson Fox, 3, c Neusa de Lima Nogueira, 2, d Francisco André Ossamu Tanaka, 4, e and Odair Correa Bueno 1, f

Abstract

The digestive system of adults and mature larvae of two ant species of Monomorium Mayr (Hymoneptera: Formicidae) were described with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy, as there is a lack of studies in this area. These two ant species are recurrently found in urban habitats and are known as 'tramp species,' as they cause problems in households, businesses, and hospitals. The most interesting finds of the present study include the existence of spinules in the crop of adults, and the number of Malpighian tubules and rectal pads was constant among different castes, ages, and species.

Formicidae, Keywords: Monomorium floricola, Monomorium pharaons, Myrmicinae, Solenopsidini, tramp species

Resumo

O sistema digestório de adultos e larvas maduras foi descrito em duas espécies do gênero Monomorium Mayr (Hymoneptera: Formicidae), com auxilio de microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura, para suprir uma carência no conhecimento sobre esse assunto, para esse grupo. Estas duas espécies são comumente encontradas em ambiente urbano, conhecidas pelo nome genérico de 'tramp species', que podem ocasionar problemas em residências, indústrias e hospitais. Como resultados interessantes foram verificados a existência espinhos no papo dos adultos, e um número não variável de túbulos de Malpighi e papilas retais entre as castas, idades e espécies.

Introduction

The digestive system of adult insects is divided into three regions (and subdivisions): the foregut (pharynx, esophagus, crop, and proventriculus), midgut, and hindgut (pylorus, ileum, and rectum) ( Chapman 1998). Although the digestive systems of different insect groups are generally alike, there are morphological specializations for different feeding habits ( Caetano 1984).

Most ants are omnivorous species, and adults feed from liquids while larvae feed from either liquid or solid food, depending on the species. In many species, food and gland secretions are shared among the colony members, a practice termed 'trophollaxis.' Because of this practice, the digestive system of each individual ant plays an important role in the social organization of its colony ( Fowler et al. 1991).

The morphological variation of some parts of the digestive systems of ants can be useful to describe and sort between taxonomic groups. For instance, the shape of the proventriculus may vary, and in some groups the esophagus of females (workers and queens) may present unique dilations; also, the ileum may be dilated and contain cuticular spinules, and the number of rectal pads can also vary ( Caetano 1990; Caetano et al. 1990).

The ant genus Monomorium Mayr (Hymoneptera: Formicidae) comprises 399 described species ( Bolton et al. 2006), including species of cosmopolitan distribution that are considered pests (also termed 'tramp species'), such as Monomorium floricola Jerdon and Monomorium pharaonis L. ( Bolton 1987). Despite the importance of this ant genus, there are few studies on the morphology of the digestivesystem of this taxon. Petersen-Braun and Buschinger ( 1975) verified the esophagus of adult queens of M. pharaonis had dilations that served functions similar to the crop. In a revisional study of M. pharaonis, Berndt and Eichler ( 1987) presented an illustration of the internal morphology of adult ants, in which four Malpighian tubules and two rectal pads were drawn. Concerning ant larvae, two studies ( Athias-Henriot 1947; Valentini 1951) described their internal morphology, including Monomorium ajjer Bernard, Monomorium salomonis L., and Monomorium subopacum Smith. These authors reported the existence of four Malpighian tubules in larvae of these Monomorium species.

Towards a better understanding of Monomorium, the present study aimed at describing the digestive system of M. floricola and M. pharaonis, using light and scanning electron microscopy to do so. The finds might have important implications in physiological and comparative morphology studies.

Materials and Methods

Ten specimens of M. floricola and M. pharaonis belonging to different life stages and castes (last instar larvae and adults of queens, males and workers) were observed by light and electron microscopy, totalling 80 analyzed specimens of each species. The digestive system of the ants was described both qualitatively and quantitatively. Mature larvae were sorted following the methods explained by Alvares et al. ( 1993) and Solis et al. ( 2010a). According to these authors, M. floricola and M. pharaonis have three larval instars.

Morphological descriptions of the digestive system of larvae and adults are given separately, following the terminology of Petralia and Vinson ( 1980), Caetano ( 1988), Landim (2008). Malpighian tubules were included in the descriptions, although they actually belong to the excretory system, and were measured and counted. The following procedures describe sample preparation.

Light Microscopy

Specimens were dissected under a stereomicroscope on a glass slide with saline solution. Digestive systems were mounted and examined under a light microscope Zeiss MC80 DX (maximum magnification 1000x) ( www.zeiss.com) equipped with a micrometric eyepiece, and photographed with a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W210 digital camera ( www.sony.com). Whenever possible, measurement figures are presented as means plus standard deviation, followed by the minimum and maximum interval and the number of observations (n). To assess differences between the two species, Student's t-test was employed ( p < 0.05). Moreover, in order to check for statistical intraspecific differences in the size of spinules inside the crop of the two species, regarding sex and castes, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's test ( p < 0.05) was performed.

Some samples were placed in HistoResin (Leica Biosystems, www.leicabiosystems.com) for histological analysis. As the morphology of the digestive system of both species was extensively similar, only samples of M. floricola were included and mounted. These were fixed (3% glutaraldehyde, 0.005 M sodium cacodylate, 1.8% sucrose) for 48 hr and dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100%; 10 min-dips, last concentration used thrice). After dehydration, samples were left for 24 hr in 1:1 ethanol Leica resin, and then embedded for 24 hr in pure Leica resin. Then, the resin containing samples was added to a hardener and left to dry in molds. Resulting blocks were sliced with a rotational microtome Leica RM 2155, producing 0.005-mm-thick sections. Sections were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue. Sections were attached to glass slides with Entelan (Merck, www.merck.com), and were examined and photographed under a Zeiss Axioskop 40 HBO 50 light microscope (maximum magnification 1000x).

Scanning electron microscopy

Samples were dissected and dehydrated as explained, and critical-point dried with a Balzers CPD/030( www.oerlikon.com/balzers). Dry samples were attached to aluminium stubs with double-faced adhesive tape. Dry larvae were gently cut open while on the stubs to expose their digestive tubes. All samples were then coated with gold with a Balzers SCD/050 ion sputterer. Observations and pictures were taken with the scanning electron microscope LEO 435 VP at 20.0 kV (NAP/MEPA, ESALQ, University of São Paulo).

Results

Measurements of the digestive systems of M. floricola and M. pharaonis are shown in Table 1 . A joint morphological description is given below, yet separated for larvae and adults.

Table 1.

Last instar larvae

For both species, the structures with greater and lesser lengths were respectively the Malpighian tubules and rectal pads. Excepting the rectum, all structures were longer in specimens of M. pharaonis. Figure 1A displays a general panorama of the digestive system of a mature larva of M. floricola. As mentioned, the digestive systems of both species were quite similar.

Foregut. Comprising oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and proventriculus. Oral cavity formed by epipharynx, hypopharynx, mandibles, and maxilla (sitting on the sides) (Figures 1B, 1C). Pharynx presenting spinules ( Figure 1C ). Esophagus an extension of the pharynx, being a long and slightly inclined tube with no dilation ( Figure 1A ). Proventriculus was slightly dilated. Foregut internally lined with an epithelium lined with apical cuticle, sitting on a double layer of visceral muscles-longitudinal muscles standing on circular muscles ( Figure 2B ). The extrinsic muscles ( Figure 1C ) sustain the pharynx. These structures were transparent when seen with the light microscope.

Midgut. Ventriculus white and rounded, with the peritrophic envelope inside; the latter being yellowish and elliptical, with many laminae ( Figure 2E ), the last lamina containing ingested food. Epithelium containing welldefined prismatic cells (main cell type, also termed enterocytes) ( Figure 2D ) and filiform cells ( Figure 2A ). Prismatic cells about 0.050 mm high, lined with microvillosities instead of cuticle ( Figure 2D ). Laminae are formed by the epithelium of the proventriculus and by the transitional cells from the junction of proventriculus to the ventriculus ( Figure 2A ). Two types of laminae could be observed (data not shown): thin and thick. Moreover, similar to the observed with the foregut, ventriculus also comprised two layers of visceral muscles.

Hindgut. Formed by a basal region, small intestine, rectum, and the anus. All larvae had four Malpighian tubules connected to the small intestine. Moreover, Malpighian tubules were attached to the ventriculus by a mesh of tracheoles ( Figure 2C ). The rectum was an ample and transparent sac formed by cuboidaland squamous cells, and presented three ovoid rectal pads.

Adults

Like in larvae, the longest structures were the Malpighian tubules and rectal pads. In queens and workers, the esophagus, proventriculus, ventriculus, rectal pads, and Malpighian tubules were longer in M. pharaonis. Also, the rectum of M. pharaonis workers was longer than in M. floricola. The remaining structures, crop and ileum and rectum of queens, were similar in size for both species. Males of M. pharaonis had longer structures than males of M. floricola, excepting the ileum, which was of similar size. In general, the digestive systems of males and females were similar, excepting the esophagus of queens (see below). Figure 3A presents a general panorama of the digestive system of M. floricola queens.

Foregut. Formed by oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, crop, and proventriculus. In both species, the esophagus was a long tube initiating in the head and extending towards the mesosoma and waist. In queens, the esophagus was dilated inside the mesosoma ( Figure 3B ). The crop, when completely full, was a hollow round sac, becoming wrinkled when empty ( Figure 3A ). Inside the crop, the epithelium was formed by short cells lined with a cuticle ( Figure 3D ) presenting spinules upon connection with esophagus and proventriculus ( Figure 3E ). Spinule size in M. floricola varied with sex and caste. In M. pharaonis, spinules were longer in workers than in queens and males, the latter two presenting spinules of similar size. The proventriculus was a short tube, without including the bulb (Figures 4A, 4B). Visceral muscles of foregut were composed of an internal layer of longitudinal fibers and an outer layer of circular fibers ( Figure 3C ). These three structures were transparent when observed under the light microscope.

Midgut. Ventriculus rounded when full, and appearing light or dark brown under the light microscope, depending on the specimen. The prismatic cells of the epithelium could be easily identified by apocrine secretion of substances (looking like protruding bubbles; Figure 4D ) and by their characteristic lining with numerous microvillosities (data not shown). Outside the ventriculum, intermingled external longitudinal and internal circular muscle fibers formed a net ( Figure 4C ). The peritrophic envelope could not be identified.

Hindgut. Formed by pylorus, ileum, and rectum. The pylorus is a dilation on the digestive system between the ventriculum and ileum, in which the Malpighian tubules converge ( Figure 4E ). The ileum is a long tube connecting the pylorus to the rectum. Outside the ileum, there were longitudinal muscle fibers sitting on internal circular muscle fibers, thus forming a net ( Figure 4F ). Four Malpighian tubules were observed disposed in a single row ( Figure 4E ). In M. pharaonis, 10% of the observed specimens (both males and workers) had five Malpighian tubules, and in all cases two of the tubules shared the same connection into the pylorus. The rectum was an ample sac with a thin wall ( Figure 4G ). Three oval rectal pads were found, near the proximal region of the rectum.

Discussion

Rows of spinules in the pharynx (hypopharynx) of different ant larvae were recently reported by other authors (e.g., Jesus et al. 2010; Solis et al. 2010b; Nondillo et al. 2011), but were curiously not reported in M. pharaonis by Petralia and Vinson ( 1980). Wheeler and Wheeler ( 1976) reported that 70% of their examined larvae of different ant species had spinules in the hypopharynx, yet in varying amounts and occurring either in rows or isolated. They guessed the spinules were probably related with food trituration.

Chapman ( 1998) mentioned that the crop of insects presented folds in the walls when empty, thus being apparently extensible to accommodate incoming food and serving as a storage unit. According to the same author, many insects have cuticle projections in the crop that look like spinules and denticles, which might play a role in driving the food towards the midgut. In hymenopterans like bees and ants, the crop serves as a food storage unit for the whole colony, as it enables food to be passed on to other colony members ( Caetano 1984, 1988, 1990; Landim 2008); however, cuticular projections in the crop were never reported. Yet, cuticular projections were found in other parts of the digestive system of hymenopterans. There are spines in the esophagus of Solenopsis richteri Forel queens, which can be found down to the connection with the crop ( Walker and Clower 1961). In the proventriculus of bees and ants, there are spines that apparently sift the ingested food coming towards the ventriculus ( Caetano 1984; Landim 2008; Solis et al. 2009). The ileum of some ant species may contain spinules, which are believed to also aid in pushing the ingested food ( Caetano 1990). We thus think the spinules observed in Monomorium must also serve the purposes of sifting and moving food down the digestive system from the crop.

The crop was relatively larger in workers than in queens and males ( Caetano 1984; Landim 2008), probably reflecting the main roles of worker ants in colony nutrition, namely food collection, transportation, and distribution ( Hölldobler and Wilson 1990). However, the crop was never larger in workers when the relative size contribution to the whole digestive system was considered ( M. floricola: workers 19%; queens 20%; males 12%; M. pharaonis: workers 15%; queens 16%; males 14%). In both species, crops of females were of equivalent relative size, while the crops of M. pharaonis males were about the same size as the females'. During parallel food preference tests (unpublished results), queens were often observed participating in the foraging trails, sometimes even collecting food. The participation of queens in the foraging trails of workers did not look like some laboratorydriven behavior deviation, since Forel ( 1893) also reported the presence of queens in the foraging trails of M. floricola. Moreover, in both species of Monomorium, queens had an esophagus dilation forming a 'thoracic crop,' which was already reported in Monomorium. It is possible that this dilation is complementary to the normal function of the crop, as it is compressed inside the gaster by the developing ovary ( Caetano 1990). Thus, queens and males of Monomorium would not only be restricted to reproductive functions, but also play active roles in food collection and storage. As an example of this secondary task, Hölldobler and Wilson ( 1990) reported males of Camponotus passing food on to the other members of the colony.

The peritrophic membrane could be easily observed in larvae and presented a double origin: epithelium of the proventriculus and the transition cells between the ventriculus and proventriculus. In addition, Landim (2008) mentioned a third formation site for peritrophic membranes: at the apex of the epithelium cells of the midgut. Although this was not observed in the present investigation, it may have been overlooked. No peritrophic membrane was observed in adults. However, it may have been overlooked, as it has been difficult to spot by light microscopy in observations of other ants ( Caetano 1990).

Landim (2008) described the existence of four cell types in the ventriculus of bee larvae: the main prismatic cells (with a primary digestive function), the regenerative cells, the filiform cells (involved in the synthesis of some parts of the peritrophic membrane and located on the transition between foregut and midgut), and the endocrine cells. In the present investigation, only the main prismatic cells and filiform cells were found, yet the existence of the other cell types should not be discarded. Moreover, Landim (2008) also reported the existence of four types of cells in the ventriculus of adult bees: prismatic cells surrounding the cardiac valve and the main, and basal cells being either regenerative or endocrinous. However, Caetano ( 1990) mentioned the existence of only two cell types in the ventriculus of adult ants: digestive and generative. In the present investigation, only prismatic cells were found, which according to Landim (2008) are digestive cells that absorb the digestion products and make up most of the local epithelium. The existence of other, less frequent cell types ought not to be dismissed, because even though they were not observed, they most likely would only show in further observations and with the aid of other techniques (e.g., transmission electron microscopy).

Caetano ( 1984, 1988) said that the number of Malpighian tubules in adult ants would vary both interespecifically and intraspecifically (i.e., between different castes). Caetano ( 1988) also reported the existence of a direct correlation between the size of the adult ant and the internal number of Malpighian tubules, with smaller ants having fewer tubules. According to Landim (2008), the number of tubules in bee larvae and adults was different in the same species. By comparing these statements with the results observed in the present study, we concluded they are not true in the present case; the number of Malpighian tubules remained fixed among ants of different species, size, caste, and ages. It is a curious fact that Petralia and Vinson ( 1980) stated that ant and bee larvae would always have four Malpighian tubules. However, Landim (2008) stated that four tubules would be the most frequent number in bee larvae, but this figure could vary between four and twelve. In light of the more recent information about bees, it seems plausible that the number of tubules among ant larvae is also variable; however, the number inside the observed specimens remained the same.

Landim (2008) mentioned that some bees of the genus Melipona presented a positive correlation between size of the adult and the length of the Malpighian tubules, with larger specimens presenting longer tubules. This result was the same as our study, as the Malpighian tubules of M. pharaonis were longer than the tubules of smaller M. floricola. Caetano ( 1984) mentioned that the number of Malpighian tubules would always be a multiple of two. This fact agrees with the observations of M. floricola, but there were exceptions in M. pharaonis, as 10% of the observed specimens had five tubules. Could this exception be the result of malformation? Landim (2008) found adult workers in the bee Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier had 25 Malpighian tubules, in spite of the fact that other species had paired numbers of tubules.

According to Caetano ( 1988), the number of rectal pads of adult ants should remain constant among ant subfamilies, e.g., with Myrmicinae always presenting three pads, as also observed in the present study for the two species of Monomorium. With ant larvae, Petralia and Vinson ( 1980) mentioned the existence of three rectal pads, a result that was confirmed in the present study. However, as mentioned by Solis et al. ( 2009) with P. longicornis, there are exceptions to the number of rectal pads, and thus we wondered if the number in Monomorium would be variable.

The present study described the digestive system of Monomorium based on numerous specimens of two important tramp species in an attempt to cover both interspecific and intraspecific variation. Some traits unique to this group of ants were illustrated, like the spinules inside the crop of adult ants and the fixed number of rectal pads and Malpighian tubules in adult and immature stages. The results were compared with previous findings of other authors, either confirming their assumptions or proposing new hypotheses. Further studies with other related species and electron transmission microscopy will certainly add to the herein presented overview.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank CAPES Institution for the financial support provided.

References

Bolton B. A review of the [Solenopsis genus-group and revision of Afrotropical Monomorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Bulletin of the British Museum (Google Scholar] Natural History) of Entomology. 1987;54:263-452.

Nondillo A, Solis DR, Fox EGP, Rossi ML, Botton M, Bueno OC. Description of the Immatures of Workers of the Ant [Linepithema micans Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Solis DR, Fox EGP, Kato LM, Jesus CM, Yabuki AT, Campos AEC, Bueno OC. Morphological description of the immatures of the ant, [[Monomorium floricola. Available online: http://www.insectscience.org/10.15/ PMC free article] [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Solis DR, Fox EGP, Rossi ML, Bueno OC. Description of the immatures of [Linepithema humile Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). [PubMed] Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Insect Science are provided here courtesy of University of Wisconsin Libraries

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On the Morphology of the Digestive System of Two Monomorium Ant Species

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The digestive system of adults and mature larvae of two ant species of Monomorium Mayr (Hymoneptera: Formicidae) were described with the aid of light and scanning electron microscopy, as there is a lack of studies in this area. These two ant species are ...

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Website Showing Internal organs of an Ant

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Website Showing Internal organs of an Ant

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video about ant that are helpful and what to exspect

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Ants are common insects, but they have some unique capabilities-including their legendary communication skills that allow their colonies to function as superorganisms.

There are 20 quadrillion ants on Earth-that's 2.5 million ants for every human. Known ant species (members of the family Formicidae) number over 12,000, and some experts estimate upwards of 20,000 exist. They can be found almost anywhere in the world, with the exception of Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, and some island nations.

Invasive ant species are becoming a problem, however, with research showing that over 500 species of ants were found in countries where they aren't native, having hopped a ride with

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Ants are common insects, but they have some unique capabilities-including their legendary communication skills that allow their colonies to function as superorganisms. There are 20 quadrillion ants on Earth-that's 2.5 million ants for every human. Known ant species (members of the family Formicidae) number over 12,000, and some experts estimate upwards of 20,000 exist.

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Website Showing Biology of an Red Fire Ant

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Website Showing Biology of an Red Fire Ant

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🐜 25 Types of Ant | Ant Species #Ant #AntSpecies

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While using an ant killer can solve your pest problem, you should also aim to keep your pets away from ants. Here are a few methods to try.

1. Keep Your Pet Indoors

Ants are outdoor creatures - in theory, anyway. If you keep your pet indoors, they're a lot less likely to encounter the little six-legged fellows.

Of course, not all pets like to stay indoors and many people prefer to let their cats and dogs hang out in the backyard. We won't make any judgments about that, but if you have a backyard pet, you might want to regularly police the yard for ant mounds and eradicate them when you find them.

Poisons are available for exterminating ants or you can call an exterminator. Just be sure that whatever process you use is pet-safe.

If fire ants should get on your outdoor pet (and they will alert you to this by making loud noises), remove them by hand or brush, not by hosing down your pet; water just makes the ants angrier. Be sure to wear gloves so that the ants don't get to you too.

2. Don't Keep Loose Food in Your House (Or Near Your Pets)

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Ants are always searching for food.

M. & C. Photography/Peter Arnold/Getty Images

Maybe you don't have an outdoor pet. Alas, ants can still find their way into your house or apartment. The best way to deal with this problem is not to let it happen in the first place.

Ants, like humans, enjoy a good meal and they're always searching for food. When they find it, they tell their friends about it, and lay down a chemical trail inviting them to the party.

To discourage ants from hanging around inside your house, especially the part of your house where your pets hang out, keep all food in sealed containers or in the fridge. Clean up any crumbs left behind after meals and snacks.

Get into the habit of moving used food to the trash or to the disposal unit in your sink as soon as possible. Take out the trash on a daily basis. That way, the ants may still get fed, but with any luck they'll be doing it away from your home - and your pet.

And be sure not to let your pet root around in the garbage. That's practically begging for an insect infestation!

3. Put a Moat Around Your Pet's Dinner

As much as you may try to remove loose food from your house, there's one place where you probably keep food in an open, unprotected container all the time: your pet's food bowl. Most pet owners leave food out so that their dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc., can enjoy a nutritious meal whenever they get the munchies.

This is fine for you and for your pet, but it's absolute heaven for the lucky ant who stumbles into this treasure trove of edibles. Pretty soon they'll let their friends know about it and the ant feast will begin. Once the bowl is infested, your pet may simply refuse to eat from it - or worse, may also become infested with ants.

If this has become a problem at your house, there are specially designed food bowls with built-in "moats" - essentially an inner bowl and an outer bowl separated by rings of water - that will frustrate the ants. Your pet can lean over the moat to reach the food but ants drown if they try to cross the gap.

Or, you can make an ant-free cat bowl yourself by taking a pie tin, filling it with a shallow layer of water, then placing the cat bowl inside it, thus manufacturing your own moat. There are also ant barriers for sale covered with a sticky substance that the ants can't cross.

Unfortunately, pets can be messy eaters, and they may leave food outside the protective bowl, so be sure to clean it up as soon as possible.

4. Trap the Ants (Or Confuse Them)

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You know there's a formic acid trail in your house if you see a large number of ants following exactly the same path along walls and ceilings - a path that usually terminates at a food source.

Chris Stein/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Once ants get indoors, plastic ant traps are available that contain a bait to lure the ants inside, where they eat a poison that isn't accessible to pets, children, overly curious adults, etc. Then they go off and die.

But if the ants are still determined to make a - you should excuse the expression - beeline to your pet's bowl, you can literally throw them off the scent. When ants find a source of food, they lay down a trail of formic acid leading to the source. The formic acid is pretty much invisible to human beings, but to other ants it's like a road sign saying "Good eats this way!"

You know there's a formic acid trail in your house if you see a large number of ants following exactly the same path along walls and ceilings - a path that usually terminates at a food source.

So beat the ants at their own game. Scrub down the trail with soap and water to remove the formic acid trail. For extra ant confusion, take a little vinegar, which contains acid of its own, and coat the ant path with it. This renders any remaining formic acid difficult for the ants to detect and they'll no longer be able to find the source of the food.

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If ants ever invade your house or yard, you'll be well-armed for dealing with the problem -- and keeping your pets safe -- if you follow this set of anti-infestation tips.

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ant, (family Formicidae), any of approximately 10,000 species of insects (order Hymenoptera) that are social in habit and live together in organized colonies. Ants occur worldwide but are especially common in hot climates. They range in size from about 2 to 25 mm (about 0.08 to 1 inch). Their colour is usually yellow, brown, red, or black. A few genera (e.g., Pheidole of North America) have a metallic lustre.

Typically, an ant has a large head and a slender, oval abdomen joined to the thorax, or midsection, by a small waist. In all ants there are either one or two finlike extensions running across the thin waist region. The antennae are always elbowed. There are two sets of jaws: the outer pair is used for carrying objects such as food and for digging, and the inner pair is used for chewing. Some species have a powerful sting at the tip of the abdomen.

There are generally three castes, or classes, within a colony: queens, males, and workers. Some species live in the nests of other species as parasites. In these species the parasite larvae are given food and nourishment by the host workers. Wheeleriella santschii is a parasite in the nests of Monomorium salomonis, the most common ant of northern Africa.

Most ants live in nests, which may be located in the ground or under a rock or built above ground and made of twigs, sand, or gravel. Carpenter ants ( Camponotus) are large black ants common in North America that live in old logs and timbers. Some species live in trees or in the hollow stems of weeds. Tailor, or weaver, ants, found in the tropics of Africa (e.g., Tetramorium), make nests of leaves and similar materials held together with silk secreted by the larvae. Dolichoderus, a genus of ants that are found worldwide, glues together bits of animal feces for its nest. The widely distributed pharaoh ant ( Monomarium pharaonis), a small yellowish insect, builds its nest either in houses, when found in cool climates, or outdoors, when it occurs in warm climates.

Army ants, of the subfamily Dorylinae, are nomadic and notorious for the destruction of plant and animal life in their path. The army ants of tropical America ( Eciton), for example, travel in columns, eating insects and other invertebrates along the way. Periodically, the colony rests for several days while the queen lays her eggs. As the colony travels, the growing larvae are carried along by the workers. Habits of the African driver ant ( Dorylus) are similar.

The red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta), introduced into Alabama from South America, had spread throughout the southern United States by the mid-1970s. It inflicts a painful sting and is considered a pest because of the large soil mounds associated with its nests. In some areas the red imported fire ant has been displaced by the invasive tawny crazy ant (also called hairy crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva), a species known in South America that was first detected in the United States (in Texas) in 2002. The hairy crazy ant is extremely difficult to control and is considered to be a major pest and threat to native species and ecosystems.

The life cycle of the ant has four stages, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult, and spans a period of 8 to 10 weeks. The queen spends her life laying eggs. The workers are females and do the work of the colony, with larger individuals functioning as soldiers who defend the colony. At certain times of the year, many species produce winged males and queens that fly into the air, where they mate. The male dies soon afterward, and the fertilized queen establishes a new nest.

The food of ants consists of both plant and animal substances. Certain species, including those of the genus Formica, often eat the eggs and larvae of other ants or those of their own species. Some species eat the liquid secretions of plants. The honey ants (Camponotinae, Dolichoderinae) eat honeydew, a by-product of digestion secreted by certain aphids. The ant usually obtains the liquid by gently stroking the aphid's abdomen with its antennae. Some genera ( Leptothorax) eat the honeydew that has fallen onto the surface of a leaf. The so-called Argentine ant ( Iridomyrmex humilis) and the fire ant also eat honeydew. Harvester ants ( Messor, Pogonomyrmex) store grass, seeds, or berries in the nest, whereas ants of the genus Trachymyrmex of South America eat only fungi, which they cultivate in their nests. The Texas leafcutter ant ( Atta texana) is a pest that often strips the leaves from plants to provide nourishment for its fungus gardens.

The social behaviour of the ants, along with that of the honeybees, is the most complex in the insect world. Slave-making ants, of which there are many species, have a variety of methods for "enslaving" the ants of other species. The queen of Bothriomyrmex decapitans of Africa, for example, allows herself to be dragged by Tapinoma ants into their nest. She then bites off the head of the Tapinoma queen and begins laying her own eggs, which are cared for by the "enslaved" Tapinoma workers. Workers of the slave-making ant Protomognathus americanus raid nests of Temnothorax ants, stealing the latter's pupae. The pupae are raised by P. americanus to serve as slaves, and, because the Temnothorax pupae become imprinted on the chemical odour of the slave-making ants, the captive ants forage and routinely return to the slave-making ant nest.

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Ant, any of approximately 10,000 species of insects (order Hymenoptera) that are social in habit and live together in organized colonies.

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ant nest that has been developed for 25 years

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ant nest that has been developed for 25 years

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Ant Pest Control: How Ant Colonies Operate | Killroy Pest Control

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Ant colonies are generally made up of a caste system of one or more queens, drones, major worker ants, minor worker ants, and a brood.

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Landon's integumentary system and respiratory system group video pt.1

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Landon's integumentary system and respiratory system group video pt.1

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Wyatt Wood's Ants Digestive System--Group Video pt 3

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Wyatt Wood's Ants Digestive System--Group Video pt 3

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Ryan Campbell's vid about ants muscular and reproductive system group video pt 4

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Ryan Campbell's vid about ants muscular and reproductive system group video pt 4