Pronunciation: [ˈɑːmi ˈant] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the insect commonly called "army ant" is "army ant," with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription is /ˈɑrmi ænt/. The first syllable is pronounced like "ar" in "car," and the second syllable is pronounced like "my" in "myself," followed by "ant" with the same vowel sound as in "dance." It is important to use correct spelling and pronunciation to avoid confusion and better communicate.
An army ant refers to a species of social insects that belong to the subfamily Dorylinae, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. These ants are known for their robust and aggressive nature, as well as their unique hunting and foraging behaviors. Primarily carnivorous, they rely on a collective hunting strategy, acting as a highly organized unit to capture and consume prey.
An army ant colony typically comprises two main types of individuals: workers and soldiers. Workers are responsible for tasks such as nest building, foraging, and caring for the brood, while soldiers serve as defenders and protectors of the colony. Both types are highly specialized and possess strong mandibles for catching and dismembering prey.
Army ants are renowned for their nomadic lifestyle. They do not construct permanent nests but instead create temporary encampments made from their own bodies by linking together to form living structures called bivouacs. The entire colony moves frequently, searching for new hunting grounds and places with abundant prey.
These formidable insects engage in group predation, swarming over their prey and overpowering animals much larger than themselves. They feed on various arthropods, small vertebrates, and even other insects, leaving no stone unturned in their aggressive pursuit of food. Their foraging raids can span several hundred meters per day, leaving a path of devastation in their wake.
Overall, army ants exhibit highly complex social behaviors, remarkable coordination, and exceptional adaptability within their ecosystems. As important players in tropical ecosystems, they contribute to the regulation of insect populations and nutrient cycling, ultimately influencing the overall equilibrium of their respective habitats.
The word "army ant" is derived from the combination of two words: "army" and "ant".
- The term "army" originated from the Middle English word "armee" or "armeye", which was borrowed from the Old French word "armée". This Old French word was derived from the Latin word "armata", the feminine form of "armatus", meaning "armed" or "equipped". Over time, "army" came to represent a large organized group of armed forces.
- The word "ant" originated from the Old English word "æmette", which can be traced back to the West Germanic word "amaitijo" or "amaitjō". This word is further connected to the Proto-Germanic word "ēmaitijǭ" and the Proto-Indo-European word "h₂émds", both meaning "ant".
