Army Ants


My first encounter with army ants was in 1989 during a visit with Charles Wright.  We were sitting at his table when several narrow columns of large army ants began appearing.  Charles said they were frequent visitors and effectively removed many roaches and scorpions.  In this instance they largely stuck to the perimeters of rooms and subsequently explored each post, seeking their quarries.  We sat calmly and within half an hour they melted away.

My next encounter was a bit more intimidating!  I had recently moved to Heliconia Haven and was down below, boiling water for oatmeal and hot tea over a wood fire.  The food was nearly ready and the fire was beginning to burn down, when, not 10 feet away I noticed them - a massive army, millions strong, moving rapidly in a solid column over 20 feet wide, heading straight for me!  I could not even see the end of the column!  Never in my life had I seen such a mass of insects!  I barely had time to reach the steps...  
 
>>>Continuation...

Manatee Slaughter  One Stormy Night  Nite-Nite   Army Ants  The Singing Hammock  Bird Stories
Table of Contents