Ants are masters of survival, using their own young to build floating rafts.

The 4 Most Ruthless Ants We’ve Ever Filmed | Deep Look · 18:05 · Video: Deep Look · Watch at the source

In short: This video examines four species of ants known for their extreme behaviors. From kidnapping larvae to turning sisters into living food storage, these insects demonstrate sophisticated and sometimes ruthless survival strategies that allow them to thrive in challenging environments.

The video highlights four distinct ant species: fire ants, kidnapper ants, honeypot ants, and Argentine ants. Fire ants are particularly notable for their flood survival tactic; when water enters their tunnels, they construct a raft using their own larvae and pupae. By placing the young at the base, the ants utilize the larvae's curved, forked hairs to trap air bubbles, keeping the colony afloat.

Other species exhibit equally specialized behaviors. Honeypot ants store nectar within their own bodies, effectively transforming their sisters into living jugs. Meanwhile, kidnapper ants raid other colonies to steal larvae, and Argentine ants engage in a form of trade, providing bodyguard services in exchange for sugary substances.

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