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The largest ant colony discovered to date extends from northern Italy to southern Spain and France, in a 6,000 km-long (or nearly 4,000 mile-long) underground matrix that brings together millions of ants, called a super colony.
Super colonies aren’t just a European thing: a 500-plus mile super colony stretches across the California coast, and another tunnels through Japan. These three super colonies have one thing in common: they are home to the Argentine ant. Studies have shown that the three super colonies might actually be part of an even larger unit known as a mega colony.
Interestingly, since these ants share the same genetics, they can recognize each other and work together immediately — even if they hail from different or unknown colonies. “Ants have a very interesting communication system using volatile chemicals called pheromones, secreted by special glands”, explains Dr. Herrera.
The bulldog ant, one of the deadliest ants in the world Image Source: Flickr
Though these ants have conquered the planet without using tanks or weapons of mass destruction, they still have a bad reputation among the international community. For the most part, though, ants contribute a great deal to human well-being, even though we don’t really see it: they farm the earth for free.
By minding their colonies and own survival, ants also enhance our own back yards. As they protect their larvae, ants keep termites and other pests from the garden. When ants bring seeds beneath the Earth they rotate the soil, making its nutrients more accessible for plants and thus helping the plants grow. Beyond that, ants are great decomposers, turning what has died into sources of new life.
These earthlings have seen a great deal of world history. And they’re going to be with us for a long time to come.
Image Source: Flickr
