The army ant, scientifically known as Eciton burchellii, is a small black ant, found in South America, Africa, and Asia. It lives in multiple habitats, too many to name, all among Asia, Africa and South America. It never stays in the same place for too long either, as the colony builds temporary shelter, but keeps moving.
Army ants live in multiple ecosystems, and are biotic factors. Abiotic factors include rocks and dirt. Army ants decompose food and fertilize the environment by defecating. They cause harm to animals because they can overtake them and cause harm to native animals in their path. They can cause harm to humans and their property, but that wouldn’t be the natural environment.
The food source for army ants is anything. They will eat anything; If it goes into their path, it’s a meal; If they’re hungry, it’s a meal. They will eat any invertebrate or insect in the path of the colony. There isn’t any major food that is toxic to an army ant. An army ant colony can be anywhere from 150 thousand ants to 2 million. There is a queen, minor workers, and major workers. Unlike most ants, the queen isn’t born with wings. Minor workers are 3-7 mm, and major workers are 10-12 mm. The army ant does not have any notable interactions with other organisms.
By, Jason Salono
Army antson march will kill anything that moves. Since army ants are nearly completely blind they can only sense prey which is moving. The whole colony of army ants can consume up to 500,000 prey animals each day, so they have a significant influence on the population, diversity, and behavior of their prey. The prey selection differs with the species.There are currently more than 200 species of Army ants. These ants are highly aggressive with large mandibles for defense and attack. The colony of Army antsis constantly on the move as it hunts its prey. The queen of theArmy antcolony produces about 3 to 4 million eggs each month!!! Workers are usually made up of sterile female ants. They are very aggressive and can tackle among some of the largest prey. They rest in temporary nests made entirely of Army Ants, also known as a 'bivouac'. Army Ants are excellent at exterminating natural predators and parasites.
Army Ant Facts/StatsScientific Name: Eciton burchellii Distribution: Army ants can be found in the tropics and subtropics of Brazil, Peru and Mexico. Diet: Mostly insects including tarantulas, scorpions, beetles and other ant species all in large amounts. The occasional mammal including frogs, snakes and lizards. Habitat: Army ants are normally found in hot and humid lowland tropical rainforests. Their nests are typically found at the base of tree trunks. Risk: Army ants are aggressive, and have a very strong bite. They have a serious impact on the native insects that cross their paths. Description:Huge Mandibles,needle-sharp sting, hair on their body, nearly blind.