Would a picnic truly be a picnic without a few unexpected visitors? You know exactly who we’re referring to. Ants! How do they always manage to know when you’re planning to have a picnic?
If you were to ask ants, they would probably argue that they don’t crash picnics uninvited. They might claim that it’s you who decides to have a picnic on their territory!
However, it’s not really your fault since it’s extremely difficult to find a picnic spot without any ants nearby. Why? Because they are everywhere!
Scientists theorize that ants have existed for over 110 million years. During this time, they have successfully colonized nearly every part of the Earth except for Antarctica.
Ants are social insects that reside in large communities known as “colonies.” It is not uncommon for a single colony to consist of millions of ants!
Ants have managed to adapt and thrive in various environments. Their social structure is one of the reasons behind their success. Ant colonies exhibit signs of division of labor (where different ants perform different tasks), communication among individuals, and an impressive ability to solve complex problems, almost like humans.
Mostly female ants, who serve as workers, soldiers, or other specialized groups, make up the majority of large colonies. The remaining ants are either female “queens” or male “drones.”
Ants have a wide range of food sources. They consume plants, other insects, and occasionally steal food from other insects. They also have a fondness for sweets, which is why they are more than happy to invade a picnic if one happens to be in their vicinity!
Fascinating ant facts:
- There have been more than 12,000 different ant species identified worldwide.
- Ants are capable of lifting up to 20 times their own body weight. If you possessed the strength of an ant, you might even be able to lift a car!
- Queen ants can live for many years and produce millions of offspring.
- Ants do not have ears. They “hear” by sensing vibrations from the ground through their feet.
- Ants absorb oxygen through tiny pores all over their bodies. They do not have lungs like mammals.
Give It a Try
It’s time for a picnic! When summer arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to venture outdoors. Gather some friends and family members and plan a picnic at your favorite park.
What do you need? Even if your local park has picnic tables, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a sandwich while sitting on a blanket on the grass. So be sure to bring enough blankets for everyone.
Speaking of sandwiches, you’ll also need food. What’s your favorite type of sandwich? Bologna? Ham? Peanut Butter and jelly? Octopus?
Whatever it may be, prepare several sandwiches and pack them in a basket along with some of your preferred chips. If you want to make it extra special, try making some fun treats that kids will love:
Don’t forget about drinks! What’s refreshing on a hot summer day? Lemonade? Iced tea? Of course, water is always a good choice as well.
Complete your picnic basket with napkins, forks, spoons, and any other items that you may need to make your picnic extra special.
Remember: When you’re finished, make sure to clean up all your trash and leave the park in a better condition than when you arrived.
If you have some spare time following your picnic, stay and engage in some recreational activities. Toss around a football, kick a soccer ball, or play with a Frisbee. Make the most of your moments with loved ones in the beautiful surroundings of nature! And be sure to stay cautious of any ants that may be present.
Check out the following game ideas:
– Ants on a Log
– Fire Cracker
– Apple Smiles
– Dirt Bucket
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