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Gliding ants

Gliding ants

Cephalotes atratus

A species of Turtle ants

Cephalotes atratus is a large, mainly black ant; workers are 8 - 15 mm in length and females 2 cm. Males are up to 1.4 cm and have black heads and thoraxes, and dark reddish-brown gasters and limbs. The workers are spiny and heavily armoured with powerful mandibles for chewing through wood.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Gliding ants
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Attributes of Gliding ants
Colors
Black
Habitat
forest; parkland; urban habitat
Adult Food Sources
Plant exudates (e.g., nectar), fungi, arthropod prey, honeydew from hemipterans, bird feces
Larva Food Source
Digestive enzymes from worker ants, pre-digested solid food regurgitated by adults, small insect parts provided by workers, honeydew, fungal hyphae
Non-poisonous
The Gliding ants is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Gliding ants typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Gliding ants
It occurs in lowland tropical rainforests in South America.
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Adult Size of Gliding ants
8 - 14 mm
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Predators of Gliding ants Larvae
Birds, spiders, wasps, mammalian insectivores
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Predators of Adult Gliding ants
Birds, spiders, wasps, mammalian insectivores, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Gliding ants
Gliding ants can glide back to their home tree if they fall, using their aerodynamically flat bodies to navigate through the air.
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Scientific Classification of Gliding ants
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Gliding ants
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Youth Habitat of Gliding ants
Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Gliding ants Through Different Life Stages
The search for each stage of gliding ants's growth begins with the eggs, typically nestled in the safety of the hidden chambers within the nest, commonly located in tree hollows or branches, especially in tropical forest ecosystems. Larvae develop in the same protected environment, relying on workers for nourishment. Pupae, encased in cocoons or bare, also remain in the nest. To find adult gliding ants, one should look around the nest vicinity as they forage or work on the nest structure, as well as along the tree trunks and foliage where they hunt and patrol for the colony.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Gliding ants
The best time to find gliding ants would be during the day when they are most active, particularly during the warmer hours as they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Gliding ants
Gliding ants are typically more active in humid and warmer weather conditions, but not during heavy rain as it can disrupt their foraging and nesting behavior.
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How and Where Can You Find Gliding ants at Different Life Stages
Egg Gliding ants eggs are tiny and usually kept deep within the nest, typically in the upper layers of trees. To locate them, carefully inspect tree hollows or under loose bark in areas where gliding ants are known to nest without disturbing the habitat.
Larva Larvae of gliding ants are kept within the nest and are not mobile. Finding them requires locating the nest which is often in hollow twigs or branches. They can sometimes be observed during nest maintenance by worker gliding ants.
Pupal Gliding ants pupae are also housed in the nest, generally in the same chambers as the larvae. To find pupae, one can look for nest sites similar to those for larvae and eggs but without extracting them as this can be harmful to their development.
Adult Adult gliding ants can be found foraging or patrolling on tree trunks and branches. Search for them by visually scanning the bark of trees and shrubs, especially where there are signs of nesting or aphid farming.
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The gliding ants behaves aggressively if it feels threatened. It may bite, sting, or secretes a toxic liquid. DO NOT disturb it. You’d better leave it alone.

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Are Gliding ants harmful to humans?

Different kinds of ants cause different troubles to humans. To be sure, compared with other dangerous creatures, common ants are very harmful to humans, and most of them just gather in the courtyard or room to disturb human life.
But there are some dangerous groups. They have strong jaws and sting needles and can bite or sting when under stress. Usually, ants only cause physical damage and the pain caused by formic acid. These discomforts do not even need to be dealt with, and can be recovered quickly. But there are still very few ant stings that can cause allergies and even death. Other ants can pollute the environment, destroy buildings, affect harvests and even spread diseases.
Harmful Effects of Gliding ants
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Bite Humans

Gliding ants is not known for commonly biting humans. These ants may bite if threatened or to defend their colony, but such instances are rare. The bite involves their mandibles and may cause mild irritation, but due to gliding ants's lifestyle and human interaction, bites are not a frequent occurrence.

More Effects of Gliding ants

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