THE WEIRD COLONY STRUCTURE OF THE WHITE-FOOTED ANT
An overview of the unusual characteristics of the white-footed ant, with tips for gaining control.
September 1, 2022
Ant Research
Ant research
Here are some of our magazine articles on a variety of ant research topics including ant behaviour, ant nest / colony structure and ant identification.
Ant identification
Before starting any ant control treatment it is important to correctly identify the species of ant present. This then provides information on nest structure, behaviour and food preferences, which is important for baiting. But telling ants apart can be very tricky even for experts – generally you will need a magnifying glass and identification guide.
Ant foraging behaviour
Understanding ant behaviour, particularly ant foraging behaviour is essential for developing optimal ant control programs. Understanding food preferences and how these might change through the year, is critical in choosing the best ant bait to provide optimal performance. Other key aspects of ant behaviour worth knowing include their trail forming behaviour and what time of day and under what weather conditions the ant species prefers to forage,
Ant nests
The structure of ant nests and ant colonies can determine the likelihood of success in an ant control program. Knowing whether the nest has one queen or multiple queens and whether there are multiple nests as part of the same colony is also important information that effects product choice and treatment regime. The likely location of the ant nest can also impact the treatment design and each species do have preferred nesting sites.
Fire ants
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive ants and a particular concern in Australia with the ongoing infestation in southeast Queensland. There is a significant amount of research taking place in multiple countries to understand their biology and investigate new control methods. As such, we often publish the latest research on fire ants.
More information on ants.
HOW DO ANTS EAT SOLID FOOD?
The latest research into ant behaviour shows that ant larvae have a pivotal role in allowing adult ants to ingest solid food.
March 1, 2022
SUPERGENE EXPLAINS FIRE ANT COLONY STRUCTURE
A specific collection of genes has been identified as the reason why red imported fire ant nests have either one or multiple queens.
March 1, 2022
EXPOSED: GLOBAL ANT TRADE
Acquiring invasive species of ants to keep as pets appears to be a growing interest worldwide, according to a recent investigation.
September 1, 2021
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE FOUR SPECIES OF BLACK ANT?
Time for the black ant challenge! Can you correctly identify the black ants pictured here?
November 1, 2020
ANTS HAVE LONG-TERM FOOD MEMORY
A team of researchers has discovered that a species of desert ant can recognise food odours for the duration of its life – a valuable skill when living in a challenging environment.
November 1, 2020
ANTS, THE MASTERS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Ants are known for their efficient way of tracking in straight lines, but how do they manage traffic when their numbers increase to the thousands?
January 1, 2020
PLANTS FEED ANTS FOR PROTECTION
Researchers have discovered the means by which plants provide nectar to ants, in return for bodyguard-like protection.
January 1, 2020
VIRUS COULD CHANGE HOW WE CONTROL FIRE ANTS
Research from Japan’s University of Kyoto suggests that a virus that infects the ants could be the key to understanding – and manipulating – the feeding behaviour of the red imported fire ant. (Photo credit: Kyoto University/Yang)
January 1, 2019
NEW SPECIES OF EXPLODING ANT IDENTIFIED
A species of so-called ‘exploding ant’ from the rainforests of Borneo has been identified, the first of its kind to be discovered in over 80 years. (Main photo credit: Alexey Kopchinskiy)
June 1, 2018
