Have You Ever Watched An Ant?

Ah, the ant is such a fascinating creature? As I grew up, I spent countless hours on my hands and knees watching these little insects go about their tasks.

There were the big red ants which seemed to favor the fields and meadows. They lived in little holes at the top of small cone shaped mounds. I quickly learned to be careful when approaching these mounds, as the ants were easily disturbed, and when they were upset they lashed out mindlessly. I also learned that if I was respectful of their little world, then they would leave me alone and allow me to observe their habits.

These ants were so wonderful to watch. I observed them moving out in all directions from their little home, all over the field. I remember watching one ant in particular come out of the home and wander all over the place. He went down one side of the mound and traveled, over the period of a few hours, all the way over to the other side of the field. He picked up a little bit of food (several times his own size) then carried it all the way back to his home.

The smaller, quicker black ants seemed to favor less open areas such as under a log or at the bottom of a wall. These little guys usually totally ignored me, and even if I was "discovered" I was simply something to explore and walk on. These black ants were the same ones that always drove my parents crazy.

I became obsessed with learning all about these industrious little insects. As I grew older, I read books, articles and stories about their lives until I had a very good understanding of their purpose and habits. I also watched films and even obtained a few ant farms, just so I could get closer to my little friends.

Ants were a big part of my childhood world. We happily lived together, and sometimes I wonder if the ants learned as much from me as I learned from them.

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Claudia's Collection