In winter, the ants on the grass burrow into the ground, looking for a warm place to spend the winter. However, there is a kind of ant that is not afraid of the cold, they are active in the grass, just like in summer. What kind of ants are they?
They are fire ants, an invasive species native to South America that takes their name from their bites and can make people feel like they have been burned by fire. Fire ants are not only highly aggressive, but also amazingly adaptable, and they can survive in a variety of environments, including cold winters.
How do fire ants do it? It turns out that fire ants have a special body fluid called antifreeze. This bodily fluid prevents their blood from freezing, thus maintaining body temperature. Fire ants also use their bodies to generate heat, which forms a warm spherical structure by squeezing and rubbing against each other. In this way, fire ants can move at temperatures of tens of degrees below zero without being frozen.
This ability of fire ants is amazing, but also worrying. Because fire ants are harmful organisms, they can disrupt the local ecological balance and threaten the survival of other animals and plants. Fire ants can also bite people and animals, causing redness and swelling of the skin and allergic reactions. Some people even die from the bites of fire ants.
What do we do with fire ants? At present, many countries in the world are trying to control and eliminate fire ants, using various methods, such as the use of pesticides, baits, natural enemies, etc. However, fire ants are highly reproductive, and they are difficult to eradicate completely. Therefore, we also need to strengthen scientific research to find more effective solutions.
We should also improve our awareness of prevention and avoid contact with fire ants. If you are unfortunately bitten by fire ants, wash the wound in time and use anti-inflammatory drugs or ice to relieve symptoms. If you have a severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
In addition, fire ants have many interesting facts and trivia, such as:
Fire ants were first brought to the United States from South America in the 1930s, where they spread rapidly and caused enormous damage. It is estimated that the United States loses about $6 billion a year to fire ants.
Fire ants can not only live on land, but also in water. When flooded, they grab each other to form a pontoon and drift to new places.
Fire ants have a special signaling system that transmits information by releasing chemicals. For example, when in danger, they release a substance called stinky acid to warn their peers and trigger a collective attack.
Although fire ants are fierce, they also have their own natural enemies. For example, a parasitic fly called an anteater. This fly lays eggs on the head of the fire ant and turns it into a zombie that is out of control.
Fire ants also have their own culture and habits. For example, they like to eat sweets and meat, and will bring food back to the nest to distribute to other companions. They also regularly clean themselves and their companions of parasites and dirt.
Fire ants are both magical and terrifying creatures that do not freeze to death during the winter in the grass. We must respect their vitality, but we must also be vigilant against their dangers. We need to protect ourselves and the environment, so that life on the grass is more harmonious.