Which Animals Are Related To Ants?
Ants are hymenopterans. They’re closely related to other animals in the order like wasps and bees. Beyond the order, ants are related to all animals. Despite many differences, evidence suggests that all animals come from a common ancestor.
In this article, we’ll learn more about which animals are related to ants as we discuss the following:
- Why ants are closely related to hymenopterans
- Members of order Hymenoptera
- How ants are related to all animals
Why are Ants Closely Related to Hymenopterans?
Ants are most closely related to hymenopterans due to their shared characteristics. Ants themselves are hymenopterans. Like wasps and bees, they’re insects characterized by the following: [1]
- Body Structure: Insects have a segmented body divided into three main parts. These parts are the head, thorax, and abdomen.
- Number of Legs: Insects typically have six legs attached to the thorax. These legs are jointed, allowing for flexibility and a wide range of movements.
- Wings: Most adult insects grow functional wings. These wings allow them to fly or glide.
See this article to learn more about ants as insects.
As hymenopterans, they’re further classified through the following:
- Membranous wings: Hymenopterans have 2 pairs of membranous or see-through wings. Their wings are linked together by small hooks. The hindwings are smaller than the forewings.
- Mouthparts: Hymenopterans have chewing mouthparts adapted for various feeding habits. They have mandibles for cutting, biting, or capturing prey. However, some members like bees have modified lower lips that form a tongue.
- Compound eyes: Hymenopterans have well-developed compound eyes. These eyes consist of numerous tiny units called ommatidia. These units work together to create a mosaic-like image.
- Ovipositor: Female hymenopterans possess a specialized organ called an ovipositor. This organ is located at the end of the abdomen. It’s used for laying eggs and can also serve as a stinging organ in some species.
- Complete metamorphosis: Hymenopterans undergo complete metamorphosis. They have 4 stages in their life cycle: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Their young immature form looks very different from their adult form.
Members of Order Hymenoptera
Members of the order Hymenoptera include the following:
- Ants: Ants are eusocial insects known for their colony structure. They play important roles in ecosystems as scavengers, predators, and seed dispersers. See this article to learn facts about ants.
- Bees: Bees are well-known for their role as pollinators. They form complex social colonies and produce honey and beeswax.
- Sawflies: Sawflies are non-stinging members of the order Hymenoptera. They are herbivorous insects with saw-like ovipositors.
- Wasps: Wasps are winged, narrow-waisted, stinging insects. They are a diverse group that includes both solitary and social species.
Suborder Apocrita
Out of all hymenopterans, ants are most closely related to members of the suborder Apocrita. This suborder includes ants, wasps, and bees. They share the following qualities:
- Distinct Waists: Members of the subfamily have distinct waists. A narrow region called the petiole connects the thorax and the gaster. This is unlike sawflies which have no waists.
- Maggotlike larvae: Ants and other apocritans have larvae that look like maggots. In contrast, sawflies have caterpillar-like larvae.
Members of this suborder all evolved from ancient wasps.
How are Ants Related to All Animals?
There’s a concept in evolutionary biology called common descent. This concept suggests that all living organisms share a single common ancestor. This means that ants and all other animals come from the same family tree. [2]
Even we humans, despite how different we look, are related to ants. In fact, a study done on 2 ant species shows 33% of ant genes are shared with humans. [3]
Summary: Which Animals Are Related to Ants?
To summarize, ants are related to all animals. According to science, all animals come from one ancestor. Even we humans are related to ants in terms of genetic material.
That said, in terms of relatedness, ants are closer to hymenopterans. Specifically, they’re most closely related to members of the suborder Apocrita. This includes bees and wasps. Members of this suborder all evolved from ancient wasps.
