48 replies to this topic

[Becky]

Some species, especially those with small colonies or passive behavior would not cause problems, I don't think. For example, L. flavus would probably be fine, along with ants like Temnothorax.

Lasius flavus lives entirely subterranian but can become extremely abundant although you never see them, grows massive colonies (up to 250.000 workers on average) and extensively tends to root aphids. Not sure what effect this could have on plantlife but I wouldn't underestimate the impact. They also may carry problematic plant-eating nematodes and mites.

[ANTdrew]

Let's not forget the infamous Tapinoma melanocephalum aka the Ghost Ant. They are a tropical non-native pest species in Florida, but have been established in the Southeastern United States for a very long time much like Pheidole megacephala, the volatile Solenopsis invicta, and many others. According to the USDA, Tapinoma melanocephalum is one of the most invasive, house infesting pest species that can be very difficult to control. A small species that have a unique coloring and the ability to disappear/blend among certain colors. They will literally swarm en masse on anything edible in your home even if its wrapped up and safely stored. (I personally experienced the little hemorrhoids within my kitchen years back). I'm not sure how far in the USA they have gotten, but apparently they can not survive or tolerate the cold in the Northeastern US.

Damn. I have a hard enough time with native Tapinoma sessile. Definitely don’t need these!

[TheMicroPlanet]

What if ants discovered fire and complex tool making (for whatever reason)?

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, February 29 2020 - 3:34 PM.

[Nare]

What if ants discovered fire and complex tool making (for whatever reason)?

Reminds me of a short story by Charles Stross called "Missile Gap". In the story, it's termite things instead of ants, but I don't wanna ruin the plot for anyone interested, so I'll leave it at that.

[TheMicroPlanet]

I'm not sure what my reaction would be if I found ants with a factory producing tiny little firearms

[AntsDakota]

Armed Argentines would be the end of everything. 

[ANTdrew]

It would be basically Ender’s Game, but I doubt we’d win.

[AntsDakota]

Unless we armed some Prenolepis and Brachyponera chinensis.

[ponerinecat]

It would be basically Ender’s Game, but I doubt we’d win.

Enders game without Ender and his peers.

And without the game. The name would be Not Ender's Massacre.