7 Uncommon Facts About the Common Black Ant

Have you ever wondered more about that huge line of ants traveling your backyard or tracking in your kitchen before you go to grab the bug spray? I most certainly have. In fact, learning about ants was the first weird and intriguing knowledge that got me hooked on random facts. So it is thanks to these little fellas that this burning desire to write this awesomely kickass article and produce an equally kickass podcast began. Let’s get into this!

The world is home to over 12,000 species of ants….Damn.

Among these is the most commonly known black ant which is pretty damn impressive and interesting.

First, of course, we’ll start with the most impressive trait that these tiny creatures possess- strength. A black ant can lift 10 to 20 times its own body weight. That would equate to a 180 pound dude lifting anywhere from 1800 to 3600 pounds no problem in order to be considered as strong as an ant… that is insane and freakin amazing! Holy. Moly. Who wouldn’t want a surge of ant super strength powers? Hello, Ant Man.

Fact number 2: When it comes to food, ants aren’t picky and will eat anything they so desire. That could be other insects, veggies, or your unattended sandwich but their dish of choice are melons believe it or not. I personally do not like melons so they can have at it, I won’t stop them. Ants have scissor-like jaws that open sideways and allow them to suck the life juices from whatever has found its way onto their plate, leaving the shell behind in their wake. That sounds a little intense doesn’t it? A bone yard of melon rinds...

Fact number 3: These little creatures have two stomachs- one for its own food consumption and the second is used to feed other ants in the colony who can’t get the hell out of there. I mean whatever works right? But I would rather taste the food in its truest form not through secondhand juices. Nevertheless, ants are both strong and thoughtful- qualities to be found in any good soul.

Fact number 4 and 5: Why do ants walk in a line? Ok, so this one is probably the one that makes us ponder the most and it is the first fact that I ever learned about ants. Ants walk in a line because they are following the rail pheromones of searcher ants. The line leads to either food, water or to the colony. The ants follow this line using their antennae which provide the ants with scent and touch. This line is heavily relied on because they are blind, that’s the reason that ants run around like chickens with their heads cut off if you break the line with your finger or bug spray.

Fact number 6: The queen and male ants have a little extra somethin’ somethin’ goin’ they have wings - those lucky bitches - however, they don’t last that long as an ant’s lifespan is only about 45-60 days.

Fact number 7 is the coolest and most worthy of needing-to-take-a-seat-to-hear-its-amazingness, fact about this kickass creature that rocked my brain. Ants have the largest brain of all the insects and if that isn’t fascinating enough, the combined number of brain cells of a colony of ants is almost equal to that of a human brain. Pretty freakin cool, am I right or am I right?

Now, you possess the knowledge of the secret life of a black ant. You may tell your friends, neighbors and family about this but use this newfound knowledge wisely as it is simply mind blowing.