The ant I saw is not the same type of Ant as this one. But to be honest, I don’t know what type of Ant the one above, nor the one I saw actually are. There are a great many different types of Ants in the world, with many different kinds, colours, and sizes of ants even in Australia, the country where I life.
I find these creatures fascinating to watch, as they stoically go about their day’s duties, traipsing out into the world, to find something good to eat, to deliver it back to their nest, only to traipse back to their next good find to then deliver for another Ant possible Ant larva, ie a baby Ant, to eat
I don’t know an awful lot about these creatures, but I have to confess, I get a kick out of watching them! I’ve always loved to watch experts going about their duties, whatever those duties are.
And with Ants, one of their important duties is to bring food back to there home, to feed the larvae back at the nest where they live, when they’re not working. Of course, they’re working for most of the day, every day, as far as I know.
So I am in awe of the Stoic Ant, all thousands of different species of them, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be an Ant. I’m far too keen on my resting moments for that!
This website gave me some information, and I happily read my way through some scholarly, but interesting nuggets of information. The website confirmed for me that the Ants use their mandibles to carry food, but it went further to talk about the multitude of other things an Ant may use its mandibles for as well … Have a read of that article to find out more, if you, like me, are interested in Ants!
We have lots of Ants around our place, we live in the country and have a very good sized back yard, and other areas of our property. Wherever there is dirt, almost, there are Ants … And as long as the Ants stay outside, I love being able to see these creatures …
And here is a poem I wrote some years ago, regarding the subject that began this article:
Carrying Carrion
In these trying times, I’ve stepped back
out of my usual travels, into back yard
and further, to the dog run, holding within
not dogs, but ants. Ant nests in fact, where
I can cause riots of rushing ants, just by
standing close, and stamping one foot.
standing close, and stamping one foot.
Hordes of ants pour out of their home
ready to attack the intruder, attack me.
I’ve done that a couple of times, my boots
keeping off any ants that try, and fail,
to ascend my leg. Slippery rubber boots,
ant-proof boots – weapons of destruction …
But increased understanding is my goal
not destruction. The ants carrying carrion,
perhaps insect victims of mine, possibly
ants even, sadly, in the wrong place, at
the wrong time. Thinking these things
has shown the error of my care-less ways.
Now, I delight in seeing ants, selflessly
carrying carrion, bigger than themselves,
dragging larger items still, after asking
others to help. Transport options limited –
Do it yourself, ask for help, or go without.
Grim choice, alone, but with help, success!
My Stoic Life 