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Bicolored shield ant

Bicolored shield ant

Meranoplus bicolor

A species of Cautious ants

Meranoplus bicolor, is a species of ant of the subfamily Myrmicinae. It is found in many Asian countries, where its habitats range from open grasslands to open-canopy forests. They nest in soil, usually at the base of plants. The nest opening is a simple hole, but it can sometimes have multiple openings. Workers forage on the ground as well as on plants, where they exploit extrafloral nectaries and tend to aphids. It was recently found in the Philippines by Filipino–Canadian singer and comedian Mikey Bustos, who shared his findings on his YouTube channel AntsCanada.

General Info About Bicolored shield ant
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Attributes of Bicolored shield ant
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
Habitat
Port of entry; mixed deciduous; rice paddies
Adult Food Sources
Live or dead insects, honeydew from hemipteran insects, nectar, seeds, plant juice
Larva Food Source
Trophallaxis (receiving predigested food from adult workers), small insects or insect parts provided by workers, sweet secretions or honeydew, pieces of grains or seeds, vegetable matter
Biting/stinging
The Bicolored shield ant may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Distribution Area of Bicolored shield ant
Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Philippines
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Life Cycle of Bicolored shield ant
Egg The initial stage of bicolored shield ant begins as an egg, which is typically oval and microscopic. Eggs are usually laid in protected locations, and their color ranges from translucent to white. At this stage, bicolored shield ant is immobile and defenseless, solely relying on the placement of eggs by the adult for survival.
Larva Upon hatching, bicolored shield ant enters the larva stage where it experiences significant growth. The larva is worm-like, lacks true legs, and may have a different coloration from adults. This stage is focused on feeding and growth, with multiple molts increasing size gradually.
Pupal As a pupa, bicolored shield ant undergoes transformation inside a protective cocoon. It is immobile and appears inactive externally. During this time, the larval form reorganizes into adult structures. The color of the pupa often mimics the environment to avoid predation.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult bicolored shield ant’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. Its coloration often serves as camouflage or signaling.
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Predators of Bicolored shield ant Larvae
Insectivorous birds, ant-eating mammals, spiders, wasps, other ant species
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Scientific Classification of Bicolored shield ant
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Ants
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Tips for Finding Bicolored shield ant
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Youth Habitat of Bicolored shield ant
Deserts and Arid Regions, Savannas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Bicolored shield ant Through Different Life Stages
The different growth stages of bicolored shield ant typically occur in specific habitats. Eggs of bicolored shield ant are laid in the secluded chambers of underground nests and develop in the protected environment there. The larvae stage continues within the nest, often deep in the soil or under stones where the temperature and humidity are suitable for growth. Pupae are also found within the nest, usually in the same chambers as the larvae. To find these stages, one would search in sandy soils or woodland edges, opening nest entrances to locate the chambers. Adult bicolored shield ant, in contrast, are prominently visible foraging on the ground's surface or vegetation nearby, usually in arid to semi-arid climates. Searching for adults involves careful examination of the foraging trails and feeding sites.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Bicolored shield ant
During warmer parts of the day as bicolored shield ant are more active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Bicolored shield ant
Dry and sunny conditions which are favorable for bicolored shield ant's activity outside the nest.
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How and Where Can You Find Bicolored shield ant at Different Life Stages
Egg Bicolored shield ant eggs are tiny, oval, and usually found deep within the nest. Locating the nest entrance and carefully excavating could reveal eggs, though this is generally not advised due to the destructive nature of the process.
Larva Bicolored shield ant larvae are legless and found in the nest's brood chambers. They are generally larger than the eggs and are often tended to by workers. Observing worker ants may lead to finding the larvae.
Pupal Bicolored shield ant pupae are commonly in a cocoon or naked depending on the species and can be located in the brood chambers as well. Identifying and observing the nest without disturbing it may provide glimpses of the pupal stage.
Adult Bicolored shield ant adults can be found foraging outside the nest. Searching along trails, near food sources, or at the nest entrance during the day can lead to sightings of adult bicolored shield ant. Keeping a respectful distance to observe their natural behavior is recommended.
Are Bicolored shield ant harmful?
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Are Bicolored shield ant 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.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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