Honeypots are not only found in Australia. They are found in deserts and other arid places around the world, such as the southwestern United States and Mexico.
First Published Nov 25, 2022, 3:34 PM IST
Animals, insects and plants have many different abilities than we think. Many of these cannot fail to amaze us. Most of the things we eat in our daily lives are produced by plants, small insects and animals. One such edible is honey. It’s no secret that honey, known as a health food, is produced by multiple species of bees. But did you know that other creatures besides bees produce honey? A certain species of ants can produce honey just like bees. These uniquely talented ants are a species of ants known as honeypot ants.
Honeypot ants, scientifically named Campanotus inflatus, also live in colonies similar to bees. Honeypot ants collect their community’s emergency food on their backs. When there is a shortage of food in the community, they collect food from other neighbors. The sugar solution is also filled in this food storage pouch on the back of the ants’ body. Honey pots are these golden colored pouches.
Australians include honeypots in their diet and use them for desserts. However, honeypots are not only found in Australia. They are found in deserts and other arid places around the world, such as the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Natural historian David Attenborough made a documentary about honeypot ants in 1990 called Trails of Life. Compared to the honey produced by bees, honeypot honey is a bit thinner but more pungent, according to those who have tasted it.
Last Updated Nov 25, 2022, 3:34 PM IST
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