Ant – Anatomy

There is a continuous size distribution in workers, generally ranging from 4.0 to 7.5 mm in length, making it difficult to group the workers by size. Head width ranges from 0.94 to 2.1 mm, showing significant variation. Ants are distinct in their morphology from other insects in having elbowed antennae, metapleural glands, and a strong constriction of their second abdominal segment into a node-like petiole. The outside of their body is covered with a hard armour this is called the exoskeleton. The abdomen of an ant contains the ant's heart, digestive system and its chemical weaponry. The mandibles of an ant are its most important tools and can be used to gather food, excavate dirt, or to capture and disassemble prey. The nervous system consists of a ventral nerve cord that runs the length of the body, with several ganglia and branches along the way reaching into the extremities of the appendages.