5 replies to this topic

[Zene]

Hi ... Would someone be kind enough to guide me to an explanation of what I observed? Along the edge of a sidewalk was a small weed were several thousand small black ants in a thick; what I call a cluster (for lack of proper term) were gathered. A great many were attached to a branch or two many ants thick. The interesting part was on the sidewalk were many groups of three and four ants connected in a 3 star and 4 star configuration. I did not look closely enough to see if they were connected at the heads or tails. Of course was the day I did not take camera. They were gone the next day. Valuable lesson. You may have to prompt me for a better explanation. Thanks, Zene

[LC3]

Based on what you described it seems to be a battle between 2 ant colonies. Depending on your location they may be pavement ants (Tetramorium sp.e) which are know for large territorial battles usually during the spring.

The "star shaped" formation ants display in these battles is composed of 3-4 ants stretching their foe buy grabbing their limbs. Usually one on one fights involve both ants clamping at each others' mandibles in a sort of tu-of-war.

[gcsnelling]

Location?

[Zene]

LC3 ... Appreciate, now I will know what to look for. Afraid might not ever see again. Now camera goes with me, even to the mail box.  

Gcs ... Me and the ants live in Moses Lake Washington. Eastern desert side, elevation 1000'.

[Saftron]

Sounds like a Tetramorium war, search "Tetramorium war" up on google and see if any pictures look similar to yours.

[Zene]

It had to be like this, but were so small I could not see a foe ...