Acanthomyops facts for kids

Acanthomyops is a special group, or genus, of ants that belong to the Formicidae family. These ants are known for some unique traits, especially how they live underground and sometimes interact with other insects. They are a fascinating part of the ant world, showing how diverse and interesting these tiny creatures can be.

About Acanthomyops Ants

Acanthomyops ants are often called "citronella ants" because some species can release a lemony or citronella-like smell when they are disturbed. This smell comes from chemicals they produce as a defense mechanism. It's like their own natural bug spray! These ants are usually yellowish or brownish in color.

Where Do They Live?

Most Acanthomyops ants live in North America. They prefer to build their nests underground, often in forests, grasslands, or even in people's yards. Their nests can be quite large, with many tunnels and chambers. They like to live in damp soil, under rocks, or inside rotting wood.

What Do They Eat?

Unlike many ants that forage for food above ground, Acanthomyops ants spend a lot of their time underground. A very interesting fact about them is their diet. They mainly feed on a sweet liquid called "honeydew," which is produced by tiny insects called aphids or mealybugs. These insects live on the roots of plants underground. The ants protect these insects, almost like farmers tending to their livestock, and in return, they get the honeydew. This relationship is called mutualism, where both the ants and the aphids benefit.

Life in the Colony

Like other ants, Acanthomyops ants live in organized colonies with different roles for each ant.

• Queen: The queen ant is the mother of the colony. Her main job is to lay eggs, ensuring the colony grows.
• Workers: Most of the ants you see are worker ants. They are usually female and do not reproduce. Their jobs include digging tunnels, finding food (or tending to the honeydew-producing insects), caring for the young, and defending the nest.
• Males: Male ants have wings and their main role is to mate with new queens. They usually die soon after mating.
• New Queens: At certain times of the year, usually in late summer or fall, new queens and males with wings are born. They fly out of the nest to mate and start new colonies. This is called a "nuptial flight."

Different Kinds of Acanthomyops Ants

There are many different species within the Acanthomyops genus. Each species might have slight differences in where they live, their size, or their specific habits. Here are some of the known species:

• Acanthomyops arizonicus
• Acanthomyops bureni
• Acanthomyops californicus
• Acanthomyops claviger
• Acanthomyops colei
• Acanthomyops coloradensis
• Acanthomyops creightoni
• Acanthomyops interjectus
• Acanthomyops latipes
• Acanthomyops mexicanus
• Acanthomyops murphyi
• Acanthomyops occidentalis
• Acanthomyops plumopilosus
• Acanthomyops pogonogynus
• Acanthomyops pubescens
• Acanthomyops subglaber

Images for kids

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  Black garden ant, Lasius niger

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  Cornfield ant, Lasius alienus

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  Lasius flavus

See also

In Spanish: Lasius para niños