It’s World Ant Day, so today we’re looking at an ant species that decided to make itself at home in New York, New York.
It’s so much at home that it’s been nicknamed the “ManhattAnt.”
Biologist Rob Dunn and his team were taking samples of the city’s ants, to see what they were and what they ate.
They came across one kind of ant that was reddish in the middle and darker brown on the ends.
This was a species nobody had identified before, at least not in North America.
In other words, they weren’t ant-icipating it…
Scientists theorized that an insect from somewhere else had traveled to New York City, maybe on a container ship or in a truck or something like that – and then adapted to the urban environment.
At the time there were theories it might be an entirely new kind of ant, like the species of bees, centipedes and mice that have evolved to survive in New York.
That’s why this ant got the nickname “ManhattAnt.”
But since its discovery scientists figured out it was a European ant species that was just really, really comfortable living the NYC life.
It’s so comfortable that it’s been spreading into neighboring areas.
And that could be a concern.
We don’t know of any specific problems with the ManhattAnt; they don’t go around biting us, or destroying local foliage.
But non-native species that do really, really well in a new area can crowd out native creatures, or change ecosystems and food chains.
Scientists are now trying to learn more about why the ant is doing so well in New York City and whether that’s leading to any negative effects.
Of course, it could just be that they really like Broadway shows or Times Square or any of the reasons that so many humans like living, working and/or visiting the city?
Hope you enjoyed National Mustard Day over the weekend.
If you missed out, you could head to Robbinsville, New Jersey.
Papa’s Tomato Pies is not only the state’s oldest pizzeria, it’s known as the home of the mustard pie.
They add a German twist to Italian pizza by adding a layer of brown mustard to the dough before adding the sauce, cheese and toppings.
Scientists identified the ‘ManhattAnt’ — and they have theories on why it’s taking over NYC (CNN)
Papa’s Tomato Pies, the oldest pizzeria in NJ, is home of the mustard pie (NorthJersey.com)
