How do ants typically reproduce?

Ants typically reproduce through a process that involves mating during flight. During certain times of the year, usually in the warm months, winged male and female ants leave their colonies to participate in a nuptial flight. During this flight, males mate with females, after which the males usually die and the fertilized females land to establish new colonies.

This method of reproduction is essential for genetic diversity within ant populations. Mating in flight allows for a wide range of genetic exchanges, which contributes to the overall health and adaptability of ant colonies.

In contrast, other methods mentioned in the options, such as budding or cloning, do not accurately represent the typical reproductive strategy of ants. Additionally, while many ants do lay eggs in their nests after mating, the key process of reproduction primarily highlights the important role of the nuptial flight in their life cycle.