Category: Invertebrates
This very large group of arthropods includes familiar animals such as shrimp, crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and barnacles. Like other arthropods, they have an exoskeleton which they must molt in order to grow. Crustaceans are distinct in their possession of two-parted (biramous) limbs and unique larval form. They are an important source of food for humans, with over 10 million tons being produced via farming and fishing every year. Most crustaceans are aquatic, though a few are adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle.
It’s an ant’s world. We’re just living in it.
Do humans truly dominate the world? The Argentine ant may have something to say about that. Many ants are known for their large colonies, but the Argentine ant, named for its South American origins takes this to a whole other level. Due to inadvertent introduction by humans, the Argentine ant has spread to all continents except Antarctica. There are now three known super-colonies of these ants: one in Europe (the largest, covering 3,700 miles), one in California (560 miles), and another on the west coast of Japan. Ants are often territorial, but amazingly, ants belonging to the super-colonies recognize one another: if you were to introduce a super colony ant from Japan to one from Europe or California, they will recognize each other as friends!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
