In the depths of tropical rainforests, a strange and fascinating insect defies expectations: the gliding ant. Though it bears a menacing appearance—complete with horn-like projections and an almost square, aerodynamic head—this ant species doesn’t truly fly. Yet it moves with incredible precision through the air by gliding.
These remarkable ants, such as members of the genus Cephalotes, use their flattened legs and head shape to steer their descent and land back on the trunk they fell from—a life-saving skill in the forest canopy. Wikipedia
Scientists observed that more than 90% of gliding ants manage to reorient mid-fall and glide back to their home tree, avoiding danger on the forest floor. This elegant adaptation allows them to survive in the vertical world of trees. NSF – National Science Foundation
While their demon-like appearance might seem intimidating, it’s the ant’s aerodynamic form that offers them an evolutionary edge—turning a fall into a controlled descent and preserving their path home.
To explore more about these airborne ants and their unique behavior, check out this video from BBC Earth:
