Honeypot ant

/hˈʌnɪpˌɒt ˈant/

/hˈʌnɪpˌɑːt ˈænt/

[noun]

Honeypot ant

[NOUN]

an ant found in dry areas, that stores food in their swollen abdomens for the colony during scarce periods

synonyms : honey ant

What is a "honeypot ant"?

A honeypot ant, also known as the honey ant, is a unique species of ant that has specialized members within its colony called "repletes." Repletes are individuals that serve as living storage vessels for nectar and honeydew, which they store in their swollen abdomens. These enlarged abdomens can become so large that they resemble living honey pots. The honeypot ants play a vital role in the colony by storing food during times of abundance, which can be accessed by other ants when food sources are scarce. This unique adaptation allows the colony to survive in arid environments where food resources may be limited.

Examples

1. Among honeypot ants, there’s a special class of workers called repletes.

2. Unfortunately for the honeypot ants, other colonies and species of ants have also caught on to this, meaning repletes are easy prey.

3. Finally, speaking of ways ants get their food, we have honeypot ants.

4. What makes this even weirder is that honeypot ants are so bloated with liquid that all they can do is hang from the roofs of nests, waiting to provide nutrients for their buddies.