Hobbies And Interests
Head
An ant's head, which is the first part of its three body segments, contains the mouth and eyes, which have hundreds of lenses. The head also hosts the antennae, or feelers, that are bent in the middle like an elbow and are used to smell and communicate. An ant's mandibles, or pincers, are also located on the head. These are used to hold and carry things, as well as to bite and fight. Some ants also have three eyes on their head called ocelli that detect light, according to Arizona State University.
Mesosoma
The mesosoma, also called the trunk, is the middle portion of an ant's body. Life Studies states that this is where all six legs are attached. Each muscular leg contains a claw that helps ants climb and hang on things, according to Arizona State University.
Metasoma
Arizona State University reports that the back part of an ant, called the metasoma or the gaster, contains the heart and digestive system. If an ant has a stinger, it is at the back of the metasoma. Instead of a stinger, some ants have a small opening at the end of the gaster, from which they can spray acid.
Petiole
The petiole is a body part that is distinctive to ants, according to Arizona State University. This flexible part connects the mesosoma to the metasoma and allows ants to bend their gasters forward in order to sting.
Wings
In addition to the three main body parts, the queen ant also has wings which it sheds when it starts a new nest, states Pest World. Male ants also have wings, but non-queen females, which are the worker ants, do not.