Ant bits
Written by: Ioulia Bespalova
Illustrated by: Sabine Deviche and Ioulia Bespalova

show/hide words to know

Colony: a group of the same kind (species) of plants or animals living together... more

Fungus: an organism that is part of the kingdom called fungi which includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Fungi mainly feed on decaying organic matter... more

Larva: the second, "worm-like" stage in the life cycle of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis (like caterpillars).

Queen: a female ant that lays eggs.

Superorganism: a group of organisms in which members depend on each other to complete tasks needed to live. Members are often highly specialized... more

Flashcard facts and information about ants

Biology Bits stories are a great way for you to learn about biology a little bit at a time. We’ve broken down information into pieces that are very tiny—bite-sized biology cards. Cutting out the cards will let you organize them however you want, or use them as flashcards while you read.

This set of bits will teach you about the tiny insects that can work together to accomplish big things: ants. To learn more about the science behind ants, visit Secrets of a Superorganism.

Play the slide show from the beginning or pick a slide to begin with by clicking on a slide below. 

A close-up illustration of an acorn ant, with a colony in an acorn in the background.An illustration of a yellow ant, a hairy blue ant, and a green ant.An illustration of "worker" ants, with one going shopping for food, one raising a young larva, and one dressed up as a miner, ready to dig.An illustration of a mating male and queen, as well as a female worker.An illustration of a large ant that is made up of tinier ants.An illustration of the life cycle of an ant, going from egg to larva to pupa, to adult.An illustration of an ant colony, within a pile of dirt.An illustration of an ant getting sugary waste water from an aphid.An image of a turtle ant, with a huge head that blocks their hole in a plant stalk.An Cartoon silhouette of someone speaking

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You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Ant Bits
  • Author(s): Ioulia Bespalova
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: September 23, 2014
  • Date accessed: November 20, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/ant-bits

APA Style

Ioulia Bespalova. (2014, September 23). Ant Bits. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved November 20, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/ant-bits

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Ioulia Bespalova. "Ant Bits". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 23 September, 2014. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/ant-bits

For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/04/

MLA 2017 Style

Ioulia Bespalova. "Ant Bits". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 23 Sep 2014. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 20 Nov 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/biology-bits/ant-bits

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/

Here are some pieces of biology that you can sink your teeth into. One bit at a time.

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