Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
Ants form colonies that range in size from a few dozen individuals often living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies that may occupy large territories with sizeable nest that consist of millions of individuals or into the hundreds of millions in super colonies. Typical colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers (ergates), as well as soldiers (dinergates) and other specialised groups. Nearly all ant colonies also have some fertile males called "drones" and one or more fertile females called "queens" (gynes). The colonies are described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.
Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth. The only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. Ants thrive in moist tropical ecosystems and may exceed the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals. Their success in so many environments has been attributed to their social organisation and their ability to modify habitats, tap resources, and defend themselves. Their long co-evolution with other species has led to mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic relationships.
Ant societies have division of labour, communication between individuals, and an ability to solve complex problems. These parallels with human societies have long been an inspiration and subject of study. Many human cultures make use of ants in cuisine, medication, and rites. Some species are valued in their role as biological pest control agents. Their ability to exploit resources may bring ants into conflict with humans, however, as they can damage crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) of South America, are regarded as invasive species in other parts of the world, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally.
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Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages
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How 16th Century Trade Made Fire Ants an Early Global Invader
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New favorite meal, pulled jackfruit fried in BBQ sauce with onions and
over a nice baked potato
That sounds good as hell
There's a new Asian grocery store in town
and apparently they sell FRESH jackfruit for like a buck and also have Sichuan peppercorn which I've been seeking for years now. I'm in East coast Canada but also a college town where authentic Asian in continental general stores are everywhere and rule. There's still only a few restaurants not doing semi White versions of food but it's getting to be an amazing place for groceries
That with some pickled onions
I did sauteed onions. I generally think red onions when I think pickled and had a negative reaction but some sweet pickled white onions would slap. Stream of consciousness cook writing here, fuck that. Okay, sweet pickled SHALLOTS mixed with caramelized Spanish onion. Sweet and with little cronch treats. If I wanted to go hard it'd also roast some carrots and peppers and add it to the mix
I like pickled ginger as a side when I have pulled p**k and potatoes.
Consider.. adding pickled banana pepper
edit; sorry maybe not over baked potato i thought it was bread