Amazing . . . .

Before I left the house today to go walking, my husband warned me to "watch for bears". (Not that we have that many bears here, but we still have to be careful, as we've seen one or two in past years) They are out of hibernation, too and may be looking for a nice colony of . . . .

Some interesting facts:
- on earth 140 million years.
- more than 12 000 species on the planet.
- highly developed social organization.
- can lift 10 - 20 times their own body weight.
- mostly omnivorous, eating other insects, seeds, oils.
- strong jaws.
- keep their nests very clean.

(for the best effect click on pictures to enlarge)

- average life span is 45 - 60 days.
- largest brain of any insect.
- uses its antennae for touch as well as smell.
- when a worker finds food, it leaves a scent trail (pheromones) to
attract others in the colony to it.

They really are industrious. This is part of their colony.
They must have brought most of these bits and pieces.
Today I saw them carrying spruce needles, grass and tiny twigs.

They climb mountains every day.

An entrance to the nest.

"If ants are such busy workers, how come they find time to go to all the picnics?"
~Marie Dressler (1868-1934) Actress

Are you feeling all creepy crawly?