Why Fire Ants Build Entire Colonies as Waterproof Rafts: An Unbelievable Adaptation Explained
Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, exhibit remarkable survival during floods by forming living rafts. Thousands of ants link together, creating a waterproof, stable structure that protects the queen and young for extended periods. This collective behavior, observed by scientists, highlights their adaptability and teamwork, enabling them to colonize new habitats and pose health risks to humans during floods.