How do the Sahara desert ant’s long legs help it survive on hot sand?

The Sahara desert ant possesses long legs that serve as a critical adaptation for survival in its extreme desert environment. These long legs allow the ants to move rapidly across the terrain and, crucially, elevate their bodies above the scorched sand and salt-pan surfaces, which can reach temperatures of 60 °C (140 °F) or higher. By keeping their bodies further from the intense heat of the ground, the ants are able to forage for food despite the extreme conditions.1