No, ants do not carry their eggs in the way many people might think.
What Ants Actually Carry
Instead of carrying their microscopic eggs, ants are often seen carrying what appears to be white, oval-shaped objects. These are not the eggs themselves but, rather, the pupal stage of ant development. These pupae, which are part of the complete metamorphosis process, are what you typically see worker ants moving around when their colony is disturbed or when they are relocating.
Ant Life Cycle
To understand why ants carry pupae, it's important to know the ant's development cycle, which consists of four distinct stages:
- Egg: Ant eggs are very tiny, almost microscopic, and are typically laid in a protected area of the nest.
- Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae, which are grub-like and require care and feeding by the worker ants.
- Pupa: Once the larva has grown sufficiently, it transforms into the pupa stage. This is the white, often oval-shaped, phase where the ant undergoes significant physical change, preparing to become an adult. The pupae are the objects often carried by the ants.
- Adult: The pupa eventually emerges as a fully developed adult ant.
Why Ants Carry Pupae Instead of Eggs
- Protection: Pupae are more vulnerable and need to be moved to safer locations within the nest or moved during a colony relocation.
- Environmental Control: Ants may relocate pupae to areas with appropriate temperature and humidity to promote their development.
- Visibility: Pupae are significantly larger and more visible than the tiny eggs, making it easier for worker ants to handle them.
Summary
The common misconception that ants are carrying eggs comes from the fact that pupae, which are a later stage of development, are much more visible and actively moved by the worker ants.
