[2][3] The name refers to an idiomatic expression in English which asserts that nervous, fidgety people must have "ants in their pants."
The English word "antsy" (meaning nervous) also derives from this metaphor.
When the tail is pressed and released, the ants spring into the air.
These (usually cardboard) cutouts depict the character, and also serve as backboards to deflect the ants into the pants.
Plastic suspenders (or braces) are another common element, which serve as obstacles.