Large distinctive nest structures up in trees in our sub-tropical North Coast, I have presented this ant perhaps some of the photography previously in Tree Tuesday, June 2018 with @old-guy-photos Broad Leaf Resin Trees With Minature Metropolises
Long-node Tailor ants (previously I referred to them as Weaver Ants apparently more than one descriptive name), more research on local ants apparently several subspecies. Size 4 to 7mm, in rusty red or pale chestnut, powerful mandibles, large black eyes.
Might have had the naming slightly incorrect, still reside sub-tropical and tree-dwelling ants that sew the leaves together with silk to form the nest.
Another ant species I think I found is the Atopomyrmex mocquerysi - Two-tone tree ant, body looked nothing like the smaller one tone weaver ant. Size ranges from 4 to 8mm, slow moving living in trees, are mainly carnivorous and secrete white substance from anal gland, only found in large trees.
Information sourced from Ants of the Cape
Ants are everywhere, we tend to not notice them, whether small black house ants, ants popping up after rain from neat little mud constructions, or curse the season when rains flush out the flying ants seeking to spread to new accommodation.
Ants live in well structured social colonies, are highly adaptable to change, extremely competitive in finding and sourcing food, have the ability to build homes below and above ground. Able to move nests according to weather, or build nests efficiently with airflow taken into consideration whilst keeping dry by insulating at the same time.
Take ourselves out of our normal surroundings and suddenly this ant catches our eye! Perhaps now is the time to observe the change in seasonal ants we do have which are many within the region of home.
Ants like humans colonize around the world, hitchhiking on produce being moved, float on leaves or logs, they are everywhere!
All photography my own using Canon Powershot camera . Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod, go with the flow wherever life takes you. NB: Amateur photographer in nature, keep smiling!
Thought for Today: "It's not the monkey on top that make a tree fall but it's the work and effort of numerous small insects and ants." - African Proverb
Communities to Enjoy On Hive: #lifestylelounge @hive-114105, #qurator
@hive-102880, #featheredfriends
@hive-106444, #wednesdaywalk
@hive-155530, #amazingnature
@hive-127788, #alwaysaflower
@hive-154065, #feelgood
@hive-19093, #theterminal
@hive-101265, #ladiesofhive
@hive-124452