Carrying on a proud tradition of superhero origin stories, I feel compelled to explain myself. So, why 'Soldier Ant'? (Especially when 'Worker Bee' is probably closer to the mark.)
First, it helps to understand something about trophallaxis, the process whereby ants in a colony balance the group's nutritional needs via shared mutual mastication and digestion.
Adventuresome, far-ranging ants will bring bellies-ful of exotic treats (an interesting leaf, perhaps, or a piece of fallen berry) back from their constant perambulations -- and vomit said treats up to share with fellow ants. (Ants who, themselves, may be purging up some different foodstuffs -- kind of an ant-equivelant of "Show me yours and I'll show you mine.") Each ant benefits from having access to a wider variety of nutritional content, and the colony as a whole thrives and survives.
An interesting side-effect of the whole process, however, is that more than just food gets passed along. Trophallaxis is also, it seems, a very effective means for ants to transfer Information. Information about potential danger, a potential windfall, or just information about the lay of the land: what's been traversed, what was found, and where to find it again.
So there you have it. Welcome to my vomit. Please leave some of your own.
Comments (3)
The hardcore ant fans amongst you would probably argue that it's the worker ants - not the soldiers - that would be most likely to forage and share food. From what I've been told, the soldiers are only summoned to bring the smack-down once a threat to the colony is discovered.
You got me -- here is the exact point at which my metaphor breaks down.
Posted by Bryce | September 23, 2002 1:49 AM
Posted on September 23, 2002 01:49
Hmmm,
If the soldier ants do not participate in that then maybe you have a metaphor for how the strength of a society is measured by the cooperation of the proletariat not by the military strength of the army.
Posted by Jamison | September 23, 2002 5:11 PM
Posted on September 23, 2002 17:11
Just don't call it Drone Ant:
Great for a few hours; dead in a day or two.
or,
One that lives on the labors of others : PARASITE
Oh well, so much for my vomit.
keep on soldierin'
Posted by Matt | September 27, 2002 6:26 PM
Posted on September 27, 2002 18:26