A close look at the branches of Mango, Jamoons, Beech and Jackfruit trees and one can come across various ant nests. Huddled up and nestled among the thick growth of leaves and away from the preying eyes, these nests are masterpieces in ever aspect.
The light red variety of ants which are usually found on the trees are popularly known as the “Gandrakothlu” ants in the local language, are usually found in colonies. Most variety of ants reside below the grounds. However, this variety of light red ants are found in the trees. They build nests which are akin to the birds’ nests. The study of these nests prove how well the ants manage and coordinate in their colonies.
The industrious ants, work unitedly till their goal is achieved. Excellent craftsmanship and mastery over the art of weaving nests, the ants are an of example of labour and hard work. The manner is which the nests are woven with great dexterity and intricacy is enough to prove the complex mechanisms the ants follow. The manner is which the nests are woven is both admirable and unique. They chose some of the sturdy and strong leaves and join their narrow ends and weave them together. They bend the edges of the leaves in whatever shape they require and create a great hollow. They strengthen the leaves further with additional twigs and branches and create enough space to accommodate thousands and thousands of ants. The nest is built within a span of 24 hours and ensure that it is water proof and weather proof.
Usually, the nests are perched on the corners of the branches and are hidden. They are located extremely high and are not reachable neither visible for their predators. In case of danger, they defend themselves by rushing out of in large numbers, making loud noises. They believe in tackling their enemies in a group. The light red ants are mostly found in hot and humid regions. They feed on a few variety of green vegetation and also on a few small insects mostly found on trees. If the ant colonies get bigger, they break up into smaller ones and build various nests on the same tree. They keep migrating from one nest to another and also keep shifting their eggs from one nest to another.
Ants are social animals and are known for their united efforts. Most of their colonies have a couple of queens, a few male ants and lakhs and lakhs of workers, who are again segregated into senior and junior workers. The job of the queen ant is only to lay eggs. Building of nests, collecting food and defending the nest from the enemies are the jobs assigned to senior ants.
While defending themselves from their enemies, the ants often segregate a chemical substance called formic acid. When ever an ant bites, the area becomes red and swollen. Due to the presence of acid, the area also burns. This formic acid has medicinal properties, and is used in the preparation of a few medicines also.
The light red variety of ants which are usually found on the trees are popularly known as the “Gandrakothlu” ants in the local language, are usually found in colonies. Most variety of ants reside below the grounds. However, this variety of light red ants are found in the trees. They build nests which are akin to the birds’ nests. The study of these nests prove how well the ants manage and coordinate in their colonies.
The industrious ants, work unitedly till their goal is achieved. Excellent craftsmanship and mastery over the art of weaving nests, the ants are an of example of labour and hard work. The manner is which the nests are woven with great dexterity and intricacy is enough to prove the complex mechanisms the ants follow. The manner is which the nests are woven is both admirable and unique. They chose some of the sturdy and strong leaves and join their narrow ends and weave them together. They bend the edges of the leaves in whatever shape they require and create a great hollow. They strengthen the leaves further with additional twigs and branches and create enough space to accommodate thousands and thousands of ants. The nest is built within a span of 24 hours and ensure that it is water proof and weather proof.
Usually, the nests are perched on the corners of the branches and are hidden. They are located extremely high and are not reachable neither visible for their predators. In case of danger, they defend themselves by rushing out of in large numbers, making loud noises. They believe in tackling their enemies in a group. The light red ants are mostly found in hot and humid regions. They feed on a few variety of green vegetation and also on a few small insects mostly found on trees. If the ant colonies get bigger, they break up into smaller ones and build various nests on the same tree. They keep migrating from one nest to another and also keep shifting their eggs from one nest to another.
Ants are social animals and are known for their united efforts. Most of their colonies have a couple of queens, a few male ants and lakhs and lakhs of workers, who are again segregated into senior and junior workers. The job of the queen ant is only to lay eggs. Building of nests, collecting food and defending the nest from the enemies are the jobs assigned to senior ants.
While defending themselves from their enemies, the ants often segregate a chemical substance called formic acid. When ever an ant bites, the area becomes red and swollen. Due to the presence of acid, the area also burns. This formic acid has medicinal properties, and is used in the preparation of a few medicines also.