What unique feature do adult fire ants have compared to other ant species?

Adult fire ants are distinguished by their queens, which possess wings. This characteristic is particularly significant because winged queens are a key aspect of their reproductive cycle. During certain times of the year, fire ant colonies engage in nuptial flights where winged queens and males leave the colony to mate. After mating, winged queens drop their wings, establishing new colonies. This dual phase of life—having both winged and wingless forms—sets fire ants apart from many other ant species, which may not exhibit this feature as prominently.

While other choices mention worker ants, color variations, or only male ants, they do not capture the distinct reproductive strategy and life cycle that fire ants demonstrate with their winged queens. The presence of the queens with wings plays a crucial role in their overall biology and colony expansion.