Ants

Mehr zum Buch

This richly illustrated natural history of ants delves into their diversity, ecology, anatomy, behavior, and more. Ants, making up about one-third of the world's insect biomass, inhabit nearly every environment, from rainforest canopies to urban sidewalks. Their significance extends beyond sheer numbers; they are crucial to various ecosystems, interacting with plants, fungi, and other animals to sustain fragile habitats. The book explores the extraordinary diversity of ants and their complex social systems, examining key collective and competitive behaviors within their colony structures. With exceptional close-up photographs and well-organized thematic chapters, it covers anatomy, evolution, life cycle, and ecology. Each chapter highlights standout genera, such as Leafcutter Ants, which construct nests with up to 7,000 chambers; Pugnacious Ants, capable of decimating crab populations in hours; and Honeypot Ants, whose workers store food in their stomachs for the colony. Drawing on current research, this work offers an engaging and accessible introduction to these remarkable insects. It includes over 200 stunning color photographs, infographics, and diagrams, along with full profiles of 42 iconic genera from around the world.