Trap-Jaw Ants Spring Themselves Out Of Harm’s Way
- 9 years ago
A new research study has confirmed that trap-jaw ants do try to use their powerful mandibles to spring out of danger when confronted with a predator.
Trap-jaw ants can snap their jaws shut at up to around 134 miles per hour in order to repel potential habitat invaders, but scientists may have uncovered another purpose.
According to new research, this spring-like, quick-close action can also help to propel them out of danger from predators.
To prove this function, the team employed the use of opportunistic insects called antlions.
Antlions are predatory creatures that create sloped pits in the sand, hide at the bottom, and wait until their prey slide furth
Trap-jaw ants can snap their jaws shut at up to around 134 miles per hour in order to repel potential habitat invaders, but scientists may have uncovered another purpose.
According to new research, this spring-like, quick-close action can also help to propel them out of danger from predators.
To prove this function, the team employed the use of opportunistic insects called antlions.
Antlions are predatory creatures that create sloped pits in the sand, hide at the bottom, and wait until their prey slide furth