Worker ants treat their queen with utmost care and deference, ensuring her survival and the continuation of the colony.
The Queen's Role and the Workers' Responsibilities
The queen ant is the reproductive center of the colony. She is responsible for laying all the eggs that will develop into new ants. Worker ants, which are wingless, sterile females, dedicate their lives to supporting the queen and the colony.
Ways Worker Ants Care for the Queen:
| Action | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Defense | Worker ants actively defend the nest from any threats or intruders. | To protect the queen, the colony's core, from any harm. |
| Feeding | Workers feed the queen a special diet comprised of food that they have pre-processed. They eat it first, then regurgitate it for the queen. | This ensures that the queen receives the most nutrient-rich and easily digestible food. |
| Movement to Safety | Workers will quickly move the queen to safer locations when the nest is disturbed or threatened. | To keep the queen out of danger. |
| Brood Care | Worker ants care for the developing larvae, ensuring they are clean, fed, and kept at the correct temperature and humidity. | Ensures the next generation of ants. |
| Foraging | Worker ants venture out of the nest to find food and resources needed for the colony. | Ensures there are enough resources to feed the queen and brood and support the entire colony's needs. |
Specific Worker Actions
- Protection: Worker ants form a physical barrier around the queen, protecting her from danger. They will defend her aggressively against predators or any disturbance in the colony.
- Nutrient Delivery: The pre-processed food ensures that the queen receives all necessary nutrients for egg production and is easy for her to digest.
- Relocation: Workers swiftly carry the queen to safer chambers within the nest or away to a new nest if needed.
By constantly providing protection, food, and movement assistance, worker ants ensure the health and safety of their queen, allowing her to focus on the vital task of reproduction and the long-term survival of the colony. This is a complex, highly organized system of support designed entirely to serve the needs of the colony.
