| Ants - Lasius alienis [2] |
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Ants are distinguished from other insects by the combination of
elbowed antennae, a strongly constricted second abdominal segment
forming a distinct node-like petiole, a wingless worker caste, and
the presence of a metapleural gland. They can sense with organs
located on the antennae, which can detect pheromones (single
compounds) and hydrocarbons on the outer layer of the body (a set of
different compounds). The latter is highly important for the
recognition of nestmates from non-nestmates. Also, they communicate
with sound in the form of vibrations moving through the ground. Ants live in colonies with well-defined castes that typically comprise a worker caste of sterile females and a reproductive caste of winged males and females. Most queens and male ants (drones) have wings, which they eat after nuptial flight; however wingless queens (ergatoids) and males do occur. |
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