In our back-garden in Papua, hidden in the vines and the orange tree is a
hidden civilization. Weaver ants are strange creatures that build vast
networks of homes in the trees - using leaves!! The nests are woven
together and sealed with larval silk and colonies can include up to 100
nests. By firmly grasping and manipulating a larvae, the worker ants are
able to bind the leaves together.
In Thailand, these leaf-larvae packages are even sold as food items in markets and the larvae are said to be high in protein. I think I'll pass on that though.
The simplest leaf design - a leaf folded upon itself and sealed at the edges.
The worker ants have exceptionally good communication skills -using chemicals or tactile communication signals (such as body shaking.)
A more complicated nest design in a vine plant. Some larger nests have been recorded as measuring half a metre in length.
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