How do fire ants build floating rafts during floods?

Fire ants build floating rafts during floods by linking their bodies together. They use their jaws, legs, and sticky pads to create a buoyant, waterproof structure. The raft can hold the colony, including the queen and larvae, above water. Air pockets trapped between their bodies provide flotation, allowing them to survive for weeks until they find dry land. This behaviour showcases their remarkable teamwork and adaptability.