What do ants do during the winter? — Allison’s student essay
There is estimated to be around one million ants for every one human in the world, and yet still there is a whole season where it is as if they vanish. Once the temperature drops it is almost as if they die off. But where do they go? What do they do? A website called the Western Exterminator writes that ants have the ability to carry ten to fifty times their body weight. However, if this is the case, then this described strength does not lead me to think that they just died off due to colder temperatures. But where do they go? What is the reality of their fate?
After doing extensive research on the topic, I have found the answer to this question. During the winter time, ants go into an almost hibernation state. Most ants are consuming more food than usual and storing more fat to get them through these colder temperatures.
I found a lot of information on a website called Rentokil. I trust these facts as reliable because this website is a real pest control brand with many outstanding reviews, which leads me to believe they know what they are writing about. The website greatly discusses how ants will prepare for the colder months as soon as the weather starts to warm up.
They will do this by consuming their nutrients from a variety of foods including nectar, seeds, and plants. It is also important for their diet to include protein-rich materials like meat and dead insects for egg production.
Once the late summer starts to kick in, the species starts to eat more carbohydrates. This is because that is what is going to be stored and used up for the later months. Since food and opportunity is so scarce during the winter, ants will try to gain weight during the summer to try to avoid this issue.
When the season of winter does start to come upon them, ants enter into a slower metabolic rate called ¨diapause¨. The slowness of movements and sluggish behavior is effective for them due to the fact that they want to use the least amount of stored energy as possible so they can save as much as they can for winter.
Different from other species, ants do not go into what is considered a typical hibernation sleep or deep slumber. According to another website called Terro, A company dedicated to insect control and the awareness of developing information of the various insects, they discussed that ants will respond by seeking out warm places, such as deep soil, under rocks or under the bark of trees. The article went on to write that they will often hibernate in clusters to contain body heat and cuddle around the queen to keep her safe and also the bloodline safe.
I found that a lot of different articles stated that ants like to go deep in the soil or indoors because they gravitate towards a more consistent temperature and environment. I found a fact towards the end of the passage on Rentokil.coms website that stated,¨Some ant species are able to convert their body fluids into an alcohol called glycerol, which is a compound found in antifreeze. This defense mechanism regulates their body temperatures, preventing the formation of ice crystals in their bodies and tissue damage during the frigid lows of winter.¨
A lot of various websites shared this information but specifically Proofpests.com talks about the reemergence of ants during the spring season. Their first task is to send a few worker ants out in search of food. Once they find a source of food, they leave a trail all the way back to their colony and then the whole group of ants will leave and they will all eat together. Every ant has a specific job, so especially when they are out of hibernation and ready to start the new season, it is imperative that they all stick to these jobs.
Ants are social creatures and so their hibernation period and overall survival as a species would not be possible without cooperation from everyone involved. National Geographic published an article where they spoke about the importance each ant had on the colony, and how they are all there to help each other out. The article also went into detail about the importance the Queens had on the colony, and how they frequently lay thousands of eggs just for the survival of their colony.
To conclude, ants’ hibernation period throughout the winter may differ from other species, but nevertheless it is essential for their survival. By going inside and or staying clustered together in soil or other consistent places underground, they are ensuring their rehabilitation in the following spring. The significance of this paper is merely to inform readers about the ant species and where they go during the winter season. The complex method taken by the whole community cannot be done alone and as previously stated, is crucial for not only staying alive, but also for improving their quality of life.