What Do Wood Ants Eat?

Wood ants, also known as Formica, are omnivorous and their diet includes both plant and animal matter.

• Insects and Small Invertebrates: They prey on insects and other small invertebrates, providing a source of protein.
• Honeydew: They consume honeydew, a sugary substance produced by aphids.
• Fruits and Seeds: They also eat fruits and seeds, which provide them with necessary nutrients.
• Dead Organisms: Wood ants scavenge dead organisms, making use of available resources.
• Plant Sap: They consume plant sap, a source of sugar and other nutrients.
• Nectar: Nectar from flowers is another source of sugar for these ants.

How do Wood Ants Eat?

Wood ants eat by using their strong mandibles to break down food. They primarily feed on other insects, sugary substances like aphids' honeydew, and occasionally, plant materials.

• They capture and kill insects with their mandibles.
• They extract the liquid from their prey by pressing their gaster against it.
• They can also eat sugary substances like honeydew produced by aphids.
• Some species may consume plant materials.

What do Wood Ants Drink?

Wood ants, like other ants, primarily consume liquids for sustenance. They drink:

• Water: The essential liquid for all living organisms.
• Nectar: A sweet liquid produced by plants, often consumed for its high sugar content.
• Honeydew: A sugary liquid secreted by aphids, which the ants "farm" and consume.
• Sap: A sticky liquid that flows in the conduits of trees and plants, which can provide nutrients.

FAQs about Wood Ants

1. How often do Wood Ants eat?

Wood Ants typically eat daily, consuming a diet largely of honeydew from aphids.

2. How long can a Wood Ants live without eating?

A Wood Ant can survive without eating for up to a few weeks, depending on its environment and overall health.

3. What do Larvae Wood Ants eat?

Larvae Wood Ants eat a diet primarily of small invertebrates, which are provided by the worker ants.