Acrobat ants are omnivorous insects that feed on a diverse range of foods.
Insects and Arthropods: They prey on various insects and arthropods, providing a source of protein.
Honeydew: This sweet substance is excreted by aphids and scale insects, which acrobat ants farm for this purpose.
Nectar: They extract nectar from plants, benefiting from its high sugar content.
Fruits: They consume small amounts of fruits, which offer sugars and other nutrients.
Dead Insects: They scavenge dead insects, utilizing them as a protein source.
Human Food Waste: They can also feed on human food waste, particularly sweet items, when available.
How do Acrobat Ants Eat?
Acrobat ants eat by foraging for food and carrying it back to their colony. They primarily feed on a diet of honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs, but also consume other insects and sweet substances.
They use their long, sharp mandibles to capture and process food.
They are known to farm aphids for their honeydew, a sweet substance that aphids produce.
They also eat other small insects and sweet substances whenever available.
The worker ants are responsible for food foraging and they carry the food back to the colony.
What do Acrobat Ants Drink?
Acrobat ants, like many other ant species, consume a variety of liquids for nourishment.
Sweet liquids: These can be derived from honeydew produced by aphids, or other sugary sources.
Water: Essential for hydration and digestion.
Nectar: A sweet liquid produced by plants, rich in sugar.
Juices from prey: They also consume liquids from small insects and organisms they prey upon.
FAQs about Acrobat Ants
1. How often do Acrobat Ants eat?
Acrobat Ants eat on a daily basis, typically consuming sweet substances, insects, and other small invertebrates.
2. How long can a Acrobat Ants live without eating?
An Acrobat Ant can survive without food for several weeks, though this varies depending on the ant's size, age, and environmental conditions.
3. What do Larvae Acrobat Ants eat?
Larvae Acrobat Ants primarily consume a diet of regurgitated food from adult ants, which can include insects and sweet substances.