Why are fire ants attracted to sources of electricity?

Subject: Why are fire ants attracted to sources of electricity?

Date: Sun Mar 2 16:26:46 1997
Posted by: Gerald Streit
Grade level: teacher/prof
School/Organization: Rice High School
City: Altair State/Province: TX
Country: USA
Area of science: Zoology
Message ID: 857341606.Zo

Message:

Why are fire ants attracted to sources of electricity?
I would assume that the response of the fire ants is a taxis for the
current carried in the wires of power supplies for pumps, electric
fences, etc.  A colleague said that there was "something sweet" 
produced by the electric current and this material was why the ants
were attracted.  I have searched a number of web sites, but could not
find an answer.  Thanks!

Re:Why are fire ants attracted to sources of electricity?

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