Overview

There are many different kinds of families. In this section you will learn about the different family members in a fire ant family and how they communicate with each other through pheromones. Don't forget to check out the vocabulary words and Learning Activities, too!
(Note: Some of the material in this section is adapted from IPMWorld) 

Photo: Developmental stages of imported fire ant. Click on image to enlarge.

Family Members

There are many different kinds of families. In a family of fire ants, called a colony, the family members include:

• One or more reproductive queens (queens that are able to lay eggs)
• Brood (eggs, larvae and pupae)
• Polymorphic (several sizes) workers
• Winged females and winged males

Among the sterile (unable to reproduce) workers, labor is divided by age and to a much lesser degree by size.

• Younger workers care for the developing brood.
• Middle-aged workers maintain and protect the colony.
• The oldest workers forage for food.

Vocabulary Words

• alates
• brood
• form
• instar
• larva
• mate
• molt
• monogyne
• nuptial
• nurse ants
• oviposit
• polygyne
• polymorphic
• pupa
• Solenopsis invicta
• trophallaxis

Click the "Next" link below to learn more about life in a fire ant colony

Browse related Articles by tag: fire ants, fire ants youth, fire ant development, life in a fire ant family