Ants do not have muscles; they move their six legs using tiny natural hydraulic pistons. Being so small there is no room for built in control to coordinate the movement of each of the tiny limbs so they rely on the flexing of their exoskeleton (hard outer skin) to keep them in step. This saves energy but once the flexing reaches a resonant frequency it is difficult to stop. In human terms it’s a bit like running down a steep hill. So the ant has little choice but go everywhere at full speed.

Now, although the ant looks like he is in a hurry, it is actually not in the interest of the individual or the community to rush around. The purpose of leaving the safety of the nest is to forage for food so a quick run out and back is not an effective use of energy. If any ant returns too quickly it is eaten by the rest of the colony which eliminates the ineffective individuals and recycles the protein. This explains why, although ants run everywhere, they never go in a straight line. A meandering route takes longer and increases the chance of finding food.

Ant Facts

• Ants can't jump
• One hundred ants have enough brain cells between them to perform simple mathematical operations.
• If a whole colony of ants were to stand in a row it would make a very long brown line.
• Ants are a real nuisance at a picnic.
• Ant is a shortened form of the name Anthony.