At first folks thought they were eating the leaves but, no, they were piling the leaves up so a certain kind of mold could grow on them and they then eat the mold. Growing food for their sustenance. Farmers. The first. Just one of the amazing things I've seen in the rain forest.
Yes, that is amazing! I never knew ants were farmers. That's very interesting and fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI agree, amazing. Nature is a complex system, and there is still much we could learn from it.
ReplyDeleteWhen is your walk in Jacksonville?
It's amazing to me that ants evolved from wasps - that has to make it one of the most successful evolutions of all time - because I figure there must be many more times ants than there are wasps. Industrious little critters.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that's ingenious! Thanks for reporting this to us. Live and learn.
ReplyDeleteOur zoo has a "tropical encounters" indoor site; in one feature you can watch leaf-cutter ants through a window that's about one inch by three or four feet long. I love that you spotted them in the wild. (True story: I saved a story out of National Geographic for my grandson before he was even born, figuring he might want to do a report on these ants some day. Geeky me!)
ReplyDeleteOh if only we humans would pay more attention....
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed by the size & relative weight of what tiny insects, particularly ants, can carry.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
You could have easily missed this interesting shot.....
ReplyDeleteI enlarged it and is very clear that they are carrying the leaves!
What an excellent eye you have. And what an interesting -- smart! -- thing for the little guys to do. So much is missed by those not taking the time to look closely. Thank you for looking closely ... and sharing what you saw!
ReplyDeleteDJan, I'm learning new things daily and stand in awe.
ReplyDeletePatti, I run the Half marathon with my daughter on Feb. 13.
Lou, I never knew that, nor do you cease to amaze me with your encyclopedic tidbits. I'll look it up for sure.
Rosaria, It's thrilling to keep learning as I age.
Blissed Grandma, I love thinking about you saving a precious article to thrill your grandson someday. Nice image. And in person is a kick. Bring him here!
Lauren, Trully.
CA Girl, Me too. And New Year blessings to you too.
Nanny, The line of these ants is hard to miss actually and the size of their leaf hill can be huge. You're right about the enlargement- wow!
Lisa, Thanks. I'm glad to share and there's more to come!