How do fire ants survive floods?

Fire ants survive floods by forming living rafts using their bodies. They link together with their legs and mandibles, creating a waterproof structure that floats on the water’s surface. The queen and larvae are kept in the centre of the raft, protected from the water. This behaviour allows the colony to remain intact and relocate to safer ground. Fire ants’ ability to cooperate and adapt to challenging conditions is a key factor in their survival and spread.