Why Do Ants Live Underground?

Most ant species are the ones that nest and find shelter underground. Different from army and tree ants in that they form large, permanent colonies, these ants live underground for a number of reasons.

  1. Predators

    • Most of the ant's predators live above ground, and hunt or follow ants foraging for food. If ant colonies were not well hidden, they would be a very easy target.

    Prey

    • A large part of the ant's diet consists of things on or under the ground. This includes certain types of fungi, worm species, and already dead insects. Living underground allows easy access to food.

    Convenience

    • Underground ant colonies are formed entirely out of dirt, making the formation easy, as the dirt only needs to be cut, formed away, and reshaped.

    Weather

    • Ant colonies underground are protected from heavy wind, and do not have to change their routine according to the weather.

    Food Storage

    • The moist soil provides a cool and well hidden spot to store food long term. Ants also store aphids in small chambers, which they milk for a sugary dew.

    Adaptability

    • Ants are extremely adaptable, and so are their underground colonies. Once a colony is destroyed, ants will not move. Instead, they will rebuild the colony, often in the exact same spot.