Polyrhachis sokolova is a species of ant able to move across large stretches of water by either running on the surface tension or swimming with its legs below the surface.
That said, P. sokolova has evolved in an environment where it is frequently below the high tide mark; most species do not have these abilities.
Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ants) are known for their ability to form floating rafts of living ants, this allows them to move from place to place during floods.
Most ant species, even those which have evolved far from water, will still have a physiology which lends itself to staying afloat; most are able to walk -albeit awkwardly- across the surface tension of relatively still water.
Image Copyright© teguh sn.
Tags: Frequently Asked Question | Solenopsis | invicta | Evolution | Polyrhachis | sokolova
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