As common household pests ants are often not given much thought – that is until they march into our homes in long winding lines or swarm around picnic tables at outdoor gatherings. But these humble insects are actually quite fascinating and there is much more to them than meets the eye. For instance did you know that ants have three pairs of legs?
That’s right – ants have six legs altogether. But why? Well it turns out that this design is quite efficient for their needs. Ants are able to walk relatively quickly thanks to their long legs and the third pair of legs helps them to keep their balance as they move.
Interestingly ants are not the only insects with six legs. All insects have six legs as a matter of fact. This is because they all belong to the same phylum Arthropoda which includes spiders crabs and shrimp. Arthropods are distinguished by their hard exoskeletons and jointed appendages both of which are necessary for survival in their land- and water-based environments.
The next time you see an ant take a moment to appreciate its simple yet well-adapted design. And if you’re ever feeling outnumbered just remember that you have twice as many legs as an ant – so you’re already ahead of the game!
How many legs does an ant have?
Ants have six legs.
How many legs do fly?
Flies have six legs.
