The First Nanitic

Worker ants are the backbone of an ant colony. Without them, the larvae are not able to be fed, unless the queen risks her own survival to find sustenance. Just today, the first worker, known as a nanitic, eclosed from one of the pupa.

Ants eclose as a pale white, due to being covered for so long. However, after staying sheltered in the nest, they begin to develop their dark, familiar colors. Unfortunately, I was not able to witness the nanitic eclose but, hopefully, I will get to see one or two eclosing workers in the years to come.

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