Colonies of ants can be found in almost every place on Earth. Ants can thrive in different types of ecosystems and environments. And more than 700 species of ants are found only in the United States. So, here are 14 interesting facts about ants for kids.
1. Ants Have Superhuman Strength
Ants are one of the strongest creatures in the world in relation to their size and they actually have superhuman strength. They can lift and carry approximately 10–50 times their own body weight.
2. Ants Can Be Found Everywhere
Ants can be found almost everywhere and on every single continent on our Earth except Antarctica.
3. Ants Are As Ancient As Dinosaurs
Ants are actually as ancient as dinosaurs. They have survived the mass extinction due to the impact of asteroids which killed the dinosaurs and also the ice age.
4. Ants Can Run Super Fast While Carrying A Load
While carrying a load, ants can run a distance that is 800 times their own body length in a minute. This is an extraordinary strength for an animal of such tiny size.
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5. There Are 12,000 Species Of Ant
There are approximately 12,000 species of ants found on our planet. Most of the ants are black, red, and brown in color.
6. The Dracula Ant Can Make The Fastest Movement In The Animal Kingdom
The Dracula ant, a type of ant, holds the record for making the fastest movement in the animal kingdom.
7. Fire Ants Causes Damage Of 3 Billion Dollars
One of the most interesting facts about Fire ants is that they are mainly found in South America and cause damage worth approximately 3 billion dollars every year.
8. Ants Don’t Have Lungs And Ears
Actually, ants don’t have lungs and ears. Some species of ants don’t have eyes also.
9. Ants Are Social Insects
Ants are social insects and they live together in colonies. There are many ant colonies found which are bigger in size than an average ant farm. Every ant has a specific role or job in a colony. However, some species of ants are homeless.
10. The Largest Ant’s Nest Was More Than 3,700 Miles Wide
The largest ant’s nest ever found was discovered in Argentina in 2000. This nest was more than 3,700 miles wide.
11. The Queen Ant Can Live Up To 30 Years
One of the cool facts about ants is that ants are the longest-living creatures among insects. Amazingly, the queen ant of one particular species can live up to 30 years- which is massive for an insect of such small size.
12. Ants Have Two Stomachs
Ants have two stomachs because one stomach is used for holding food for their own consumption and the other one is used to hold the food which they would share with other ants.
13. Ants Can Survive Under Water For Up To 14 Days
Ants can swim, but not all species can swim. Some species of ants can survive underwater for up to 14 days depending on the temperature of the water.
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14. The Bullet Ants Have The Most Painful Sting In The World
The bullet ant, which is found in the humid rainforests of the Amazon, is known to have the most painful sting in the world.
These are 14 fun and interesting facts about ants for kids.
FAQ: Interesting Facts About Ants For Kids
As ants can be found almost everywhere, many people are very curious to know about them. Here I have selected some of the most interesting questions about ants and answered them briefly.
Q1. Is Ant The Strongest Animal?
Ans: Ants are one of the strongest creatures in the world in relation to the size of the body as they can lift and carry approximately 10–50 times their own body weight.
Q2. Do Ants Have Ears And Lungs?
Ans: Ants actually don’t have lungs and ears and some species of ants don’t have eyes also.
Q3. Are Ants As Old As Dinosaurs?
Ans: Ants are actually as ancient as dinosaurs and they have survived the mass extinction which killed the dinosaurs and also the ice age.
Q4. Is Ant A Social Insect?
Ans: Ants are social insects and they usually live together in colonies. Every ant has a specific role or job in an ant colony.
Q5. How Long Can Ants Stay Underwater?
Ans: Some species of ants can survive underwater for up to 14 days, but it depends on the temperature of the water.
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