Ants As Pets Page 2

< Previous Page

Function of the "Crop"
The crop is an ever changing complex mixture of chemicals secreted by the larvae and eggs in the colony. Chemicals reach the nervous system, where they communicate the needs of the ant society. The ant instinctually reacts to the message, and tries to fulfill the needs of its community.

Ant Society
All ant societies are divided into three castes: queens that found new colonies and function as egg-laying machines; winged males that take impregnate the queen and die; runt sterile females that lead that perform a variety of tasks as nurses, housekeepers, hunters or soldiers.

Founding a Nest.
Young queens take flight to find a male suitor. Once pregnant the queen builds a nest and lays eggs. She feeds the hatched larvae with her own stored food. Her strength dwindles, but is free once her daughter ants begin working for her.