Student Article

Ants are small insects, but they live in large social groups called colonies. Each colony usually includes a queen (or several queens), many workers, and sometimes soldiers. Every ant has a job, and they work together to keep the colony alive and successful.

Some ants live in giant families

Some species, like Argentine ants, form supercolonies. These supercolonies stretch for thousands of miles and include millions of ants living in peace because they share similar scents. This makes them recognize each other as family, not enemies.

They have wild survival tricks

Ants have other fascinating behaviors, too. South American fire ants can survive floods by creating floating rafts out of their own bodies. They hold onto each other tightly and drift to safety. In Africa, Matabele ants treat wounded nestmates by licking their injuries, which helps them heal and fight infections.

Sometimes ants get into trouble

Unfortunately, ants can get stuck in something called a “death spiral.” When ants lose track of their path, they can accidentally follow each other in circles, endlessly marching until they collapse from exhaustion.

Ants are everywhere — and full of surprises

Ants can even use simple tools. Some types drop leaves into food sources to soak up liquid, then carry it back to their nest. From death spirals to supercolonies, ants show incredible teamwork, survival skills, and even kindness.

© Richard Jones / Our Media