Page 7 - My FlipBook

The Science Stuff

Some birds deliberately land on ants and annoy them in order
to get sprayed with acid. Why?

Scientists don’t know for sure—yet. One theory is that the acid kills
mites or lice on a bird’s body and feathers. The birds may be using
the ants’ acid to keep healthy and kill off pests.

Ant Acid for Hunting
Worm
When an ant captures another
insect, worm, or slug, it grips its
prey with its jaws and front legs.
Then the ant sprays formic acid
onto its victim to kill it. Once the
creature stops struggling, the ant
carries its meal back to the nest.
Wood ants

Large prey, such as a worm, will
be captured and transported
home by a team of ants.

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