{"id":3481,"date":"2023-07-02T15:44:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-02T07:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/?p=3481"},"modified":"2023-09-19T20:10:56","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T12:10:56","slug":"do-ants-eat-seeds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Ants Eat Seeds?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Yes, ants eat seeds. In fact, some ants prey on seeds. These ants collect and totally consume them. Other ants also eat a specific part of seeds called the elaiosome.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about ants eating seeds as we discuss the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>How ants eat seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why ants eat seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which ants eat seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which seeds ants eat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also look into seed dispersal by ants and how to keep them away from the seeds in your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-2-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"do ants eat seeds\" class=\"wp-image-3486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-2-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-2-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-2-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#How_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\" title=\"How Do Ants Eat Seeds?\">How Do Ants Eat Seeds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Why_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\" title=\"Why Do Ants Eat Seeds?\">Why Do Ants Eat Seeds?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Carbohydrates\" title=\"Carbohydrates\">Carbohydrates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Lipids\" title=\"Lipids\">Lipids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Proteins\" title=\"Proteins\">Proteins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Which_Ants_Eat_Seeds\" title=\"Which Ants Eat Seeds?\">Which Ants Eat Seeds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Which_Seeds_Do_Ants_Eat\" title=\"Which Seeds Do Ants Eat?\">Which Seeds Do Ants Eat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Seed_Dispersal_by_Ants\" title=\"Seed Dispersal by Ants\">Seed Dispersal by Ants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#How_to_Keep_Ants_Away_from_Your_Plant_Seeds\" title=\"How to Keep Ants Away from Your Plant Seeds\">How to Keep Ants Away from Your Plant Seeds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Use_Natural_Repellents\" title=\"Use Natural Repellents\">Use Natural Repellents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Diatomaceous_Earth\" title=\"Diatomaceous Earth\">Diatomaceous Earth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Borax\" title=\"Borax\">Borax<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Proper_Storage\" title=\"Proper Storage\">Proper Storage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Related_Questions\" title=\"Related Questions\">Related Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#What_are_Elaiosomes\" title=\"What are Elaiosomes?\">What are Elaiosomes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Which_Part_of_the_Seeds_Do_Ants_Eat\" title=\"Which Part of the Seeds Do Ants Eat?&nbsp;\">Which Part of the Seeds Do Ants Eat?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Do_Ants_Store_Seeds_in_the_Nest\" title=\"Do Ants Store Seeds in the Nest?\">Do Ants Store Seeds in the Nest?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Do_Ants_Eat_Seedlings\" title=\"Do Ants Eat Seedlings?\">Do Ants Eat Seedlings?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-seeds\/#Summary_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\" title=\"Summary: Do Ants Eat Seeds?\">Summary: Do Ants Eat Seeds?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\"><\/span>How Do Ants Eat Seeds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 2 ways that ants eat seeds. The first is a form of antagonism by means of <strong>seed predation or granivory<\/strong>. In this method, ants <strong>totally consume the seed<\/strong>. They leave it damaged and not viable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, the second method involves an <strong>ant-plant mutualism<\/strong>. In this method, ants only <strong>eat a part of the seed called the elaiosome<\/strong>. In doing so, they don&#8217;t damage the seed and effectively help disperse it. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.antwiki.org\/wiki\/Feeding_in_Ants\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.antwiki.org\/wiki\/Feeding_in_Ants\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\"><\/span>Why Do Ants Eat Seeds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ants eat seeds because they\u2019re nutritious.<\/strong> Regardless of the method of consumption, seeds provide ants with the following: [<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elaiosome\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Elaiosome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carbohydrates\"><\/span>Carbohydrates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeds and elaiosomes both contain starch. This starch provides ants with the <strong>carbohydrates they need to fuel their bodies<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carbohydrates are also used as <strong>building blocks for the construction of chitin<\/strong>. Chitin is a major component of the ant\u2019s exoskeleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lipids\"><\/span>Lipids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeds and elaiosomes also provide ants with lipids. <strong>These lipids serve as an alternative energy source during reproduction, starvation, and diapause.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can also be broken down into fatty acids that serve as building blocks for cuticular waxes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proteins\"><\/span>Proteins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, seeds and elaiosomes are also good sources of protein. Ants break down these proteins into amino acids. They then <strong>use these amino acids to build or replace enzymes, hormones, and proteins they need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Ants_Eat_Seeds\"><\/span>Which Ants Eat Seeds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most ants eat seeds. There are a wide variety of ants attracted to elaiosomes. These include ants from the following genera:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Aphaenogaster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leptothorax&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Myrmica<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tapinoma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formica<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lasius<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odontomachus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pachycondyla<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pheidole<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Azteca<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paratrechina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rhytidoponera<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pheidole<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monomorium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iridomyrmex<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s rare are actual ant predators. There are only a <strong>few ants that classify as granivores<\/strong> or actually eat the seeds completely. These ants are commonly known as harvester ants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"RED HARVESTER ANT Adventure!\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JeCu6NmwSA4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They include the following species:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><em>Pogonomyrmex barbatus<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Messor andrei<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Veromessor pergandei<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pheidole providens<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Seeds_Do_Ants_Eat\"><\/span>Which Seeds Do Ants Eat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ants eat <strong>all types of seeds<\/strong>. Ant predators specifically eat any seed that they can break open. These include grass seeds, tree seeds, and even exotic seeds like filaree and mustard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are of course, also the <strong>myrmecochorous plants<\/strong> that produce seeds with elaiosomes. These plants include trilliums, wild ginger, bloodroot, violets, spurges, and pincushions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seed_Dispersal_by_Ants\"><\/span>Seed Dispersal by Ants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Myrmecochory - Seed Dispersal by Ants | Entomology | Plant Biology\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GQhTuB5VoH0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result of eating seeds, ants <strong>help greatly with seed dispersal<\/strong>. This is especially true for diaspores or seeds with elaiosomes. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/24996901\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/24996901\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seed dispersal by ants occurs when foraging workers take diaspores to their nests. After consumption, the seeds are usually discarded either in middens or out of the nest. Either way, these are favorable locations for germination due to the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fire safety:<\/strong> Seeds carried into nests are more protected from fires than those that aren&#8217;t.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Predator safety:<\/strong> The presence of ants near the location deters other seed predators. Also, predators are less likely to discover dispersed seeds as they&#8217;re not concentrated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Access to nutrients:<\/strong> Locations near ant nests generally have high levels of nutrients. These nutrients are important for plant growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even granivorous ants help with seed dispersal. This occurs when they unintentionally drop seeds or don\u2019t eat them after collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Keep_Ants_Away_from_Your_Plant_Seeds\"><\/span>How to Keep Ants Away from Your Plant Seeds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It\u2019s not unusual for ants to steal seeds<\/strong>. After all, ants are attracted to seeds as a food source. This can be quite a nuisance if you\u2019ve carefully organized and planted seeds in your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can prevent this issue through the following methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Natural_Repellents\"><\/span>Use Natural Repellents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use a variety of natural products to deter ants. These include <strong>cinnamon, black pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar<\/strong>. Sprinkle or apply these around the base of your plants or seed storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also make use of plants that help deter ants. These plants include <strong>rosemary, lavender, catnip, mint, and peppermint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diatomaceous_Earth\"><\/span>Diatomaceous Earth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a chalky powder made from diatom shells. Farmers often use DE as a <strong>non-toxic means to manage ant populations<\/strong>. It gets rid of ants by causing them to die of dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use DE as a barrier by sprinkling it around your plants, seeds, and ant trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>See this article to learn more about diatomaceous earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Borax\"><\/span>Borax<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing a persistent ant problem, you can<strong> create homemade ant baits<\/strong> with borax. Mix borax with sugar water and place them near affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just note that borax is toxic. Take caution when using it around children and pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proper_Storage\"><\/span>Proper Storage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re keeping seeds indoors, <strong>use airtight containers to prevent access<\/strong>. Ensure the containers are <strong>clean and free of other ant attractants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Questions\"><\/span>Related Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3485\" width=\"845\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/do-ants-eat-seeds.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Florida_Harvester_Ant_-_Pogonomyrmex_badius,_Lake_June-in-Winter_Scrub_State_Park,_Lake_Placid,_Florida.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Judy Gallagher<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_Elaiosomes\"><\/span>What are Elaiosomes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Elaiosomes are fleshy structures attached to the seeds of myrmecochorous plants. They\u2019re rich in lipids and proteins and are especially attractive to ants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Part_of_the_Seeds_Do_Ants_Eat\"><\/span>Which Part of the Seeds Do Ants Eat?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most ants only eat the elaiosomes. However, seed predators eat the starch and totally consume seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Ants_Store_Seeds_in_the_Nest\"><\/span>Do Ants Store Seeds in the Nest?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, ants store seeds in their nests. Harvester ants store seeds in communal chambers called granaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Ants_Eat_Seedlings\"><\/span>Do Ants Eat Seedlings?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, ants do eat seedlings. Fire ants, for example, can damage seedlings by feeding on their stems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read this article to find out if <a href=\"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/do-ants-eat-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3041\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ants eat plants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Do_Ants_Eat_Seeds\"><\/span>Summary: Do Ants Eat Seeds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize, ants do eat seeds. Ants can eat seeds in 2 ways. Some ants fully consume them and leave them damaged. On the other hand, some ants only eat elaiosomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, seeds are a nutritious food source for ants. They provide ants with carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. All of these help ants survive and function.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yes, ants eat seeds. In fact, some ants prey on seeds. These ants collect and totally consume them. Other ants also eat a specific part of seeds called the elaiosome. In this article, we\u2019ll learn more about ants eating seeds as we discuss the following: We\u2019ll also look into seed dispersal by ants and how&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3486,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3481"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3693,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3481\/revisions\/3693"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scifaqs.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}