Ants can certainly be an irritating insect for people to cope with, but an insect for humanity might be a food supply for several other species. Meanwhile, there is a huge selection of species that feed on the ants consistently!
Ants comprise a significant source of nourishment for a lot of pests, which constitutes among the natural methods of ants populations control. Next, you are able to read about these pests as well as the uncommon methods that they eat ants. It’s truly an interesting information about what insect eat ants. Let us start!
What Insects Eat Ants?
Contents
Anteater
As their name shows, these types of mammals feed almost completely on ants. And living exclusively in Central and South America, the critters have a quite long snout along with a very long tongue.
Many species of anteater vary in distribution and size, but they each share a myrmecophagous food? Subsisting entirely on termites and ants. Their very long tongue is sticky, making it possible for them to stick it directly into an anthill for an entire mouthful of ants at one time!
Moth Butterfly
This particular butterfly species is discovered in a few parts of the planet, including South Asia, Australia, and Southeast Asia. And Like many ant predators, the fly larva eats the ant larvae. Nevertheless, they find the way of theirs into ants nest and consume the brood in another style.
The female moth butterflies can lay the eggs in a place that is close to the ants’ nests. When their larva is released, it seems as an oval, dull slug and also has a heavy and tough outer shell. This can make it not possible for soldier ants to often flip it over or perhaps bite it. Therefore, the larva can easily feed on small ants until it develops into a butterfly.
Bombardier Beetle
And the ants make up a major component of the food source of this bombardier beetle. Unlike various other bugs which can eat the ants, bombardier beetle swallows ants. These predators use the legs of theirs to kick some ant that stands in the way of theirs.
As they eat the ants, these bombardier beetles extract a few formic acids from ants and also utilize them to protect themselves from the predators of theirs. When threatened, the Bombardier beetle can spurt the formic acid into its predators’ eyes.
Pangolin
The pangolin came to popularity lately as a possible cause of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. And, as the only mammal that’s covered in scales that are hard, it’s definitely unique.
Pangolins are indigenous to Southern Asia and Africa, and their diet plan consists of mostly termites and ants. Their tough scales help them reduce the chances of large predators as tigers and lions, while they’ve identical capabilities of sharp claws along with a long snout that will help them collect ants for food.
Many pangolin species are adept climbers, and also they use their powerful claws and tails to remove the bark from search and trees for insects underneath.
Blue Butterfly
This gorgeous butterfly preys on ants by hiding its larvae with ants’ scent. In doing this, the butterfly can make ants feel the brood is their personal. Consequently, the ants have it to the nests of theirs for care. And the larvae mimic the scent and sound of the queen ant.
The larvae are fed properly by the ants, which can make them grow extremely rapidly. These butterflies stay in ant nests for as much as eleven months. During this particular time, they still feed on the ant grubs. Meanwhile, they eliminate ants in huge numbers as well as feed on them.
Birds
As Darwin initially noted very far back, birds which specialize in bugs typically have extended, pointed beaks, which help them get lots of insects accurately and quickly. There are lots of bird species which have an ant-based diet
Some birds actually indulge in a behavior referred to as anting. Where they apply dead ants on the body of theirs as a deterrent in order to predators and to fight disease and fungus with plant things that the ants have amassed!
Doodlebugs and antlions
Antlions are flying insects which solely feed on ants. As their name indicates, they’re metaphorically termed as destroyers or hunters since they fiercely victimize the ants.
These ant predators are active at night so that they are hardly ever noticed during the day. Also, antlions live in dry and sandy habitats. These places allow it to be simple for the larvae to make pits on the soil. Nevertheless, some larvae as well live under debris.
Sparrows
While some of the above species might not be common around the house of yours, there’s one small bird which is ubiquitous to many areas of the planet.
Imported to North America along with many areas of the world, this small bird is currently present in nearly every corner of the world. Though the house sparrow is going to feed mainly on grains when they have the opportunity, it’s additionally an opportunistic insect feeder plus will not avoid a big mound of unprotected ants.
Sparrows could be a very good form of pest control in any garden!
Spiders
Jumping spiders, as well as wolf spiders, usually feed on ants, particularly in the smaller life stages of theirs. These arachnids aren’t on your own since some spiders will eat the ants when they have the opportunity.
In reality, wherever there are ants, there’s apt a species of spider which eats these ants. You are able to encourage the spiders by minimizing the use of yours of pesticide sprays and moving spiders outside whenever you find them in the house.
Assassin Bugs
Assassin bugs are widely distributed, and you’ve likely seen them around the house. They’ve an extended end, which they work with to inject different insects with venom. And the venom can digest all insides, and so they make use of the long mouthpiece to draw out all of the nutrient-rich goop inside.
Several species have developed to prey completely on ants. Assassin Bugs actually cover the body of its in dead ants, giving a sinister camouflage type, so it is able to invade an ant colony and then feed quickly.
Also Read: What Do Ants Eat?
Do The Ants Fight Against Danger?
Danger through chemical warnings is signaled by ants. Then, they communicate continually using chemicals and pheromones. This occurs both by making scent trails on the pathways of theirs or perhaps touching antennae.
When a predator comes around them, ants release pheromones, which alerts other ants to assist. In reaction, they rally on the defense of all those in danger. Depending on the predators or danger, ants respond in different methods, including stinging, using, or swarming the mandibles of theirs to fight.
