barrygoldman1 , 2 months ago

@BootsChantilly @futurebird this is a serious question. ants are so successful... they OUGHT to be able to colonize the sea.

i wonder if there are spp that are particularly good at spreading across sea by rafting (fallen trees etcc) tho... it would be REALLY cool if they could BUILD their own rafts.

y should only apes build rafts?

they CAN build rafts across fresh water! (out of their own waxy selves!)

futurebird , 2 months ago

@barrygoldman1 @BootsChantilly

There are ants that swim and live in picture plants... but for some reason insects have not had much success in the ocean (probably because other arthropods have taken over the best niches) Insects have some success in fresh water.

And of course fire ants never have any trouble with rafting over water. (that's how researches separate them from soil, pour water on them and the ants make a living raft then you can scoop it up like the world's most angry pasta)

barrygoldman1 , 2 months ago

@futurebird @BootsChantilly an't be because niches are full, i remember reading a study of insect niches using invasive spp, niche space is NOT full.

iz puzzle. something about insects not like SALT water? but if water striders can do it, ants should be able to figure it out.

come on guys!

psistarpsiii , 2 months ago

@futurebird lol @ angry pasta

futurebird , 2 months ago

@psistarpsiii

These risotto bite back.

BootsChantilly OP , 2 months ago

@futurebird From here on out, I'm gonna think of fire ants as "angry pasta." @barrygoldman1

misterscience , 2 months ago

@futurebird @barrygoldman1 @BootsChantilly

#PedanticComment "Pitcher Plant"