On which side of the tree do ants build anthills?

Internal structure of an anthill

The inside of an anthill consists of many passages, corridors, chambers and compartments designed for specific purposes.
The rooms located on the upper levels of the anthill are heated by the sun in the summer and are used as a solarium for adult insects. The main building material for the interior decoration of an ant house is a mixture of soil with humus, particles of bark and everything that worker construction ants bring with them. A large number of passages connecting different rooms provide ventilation in the anthill.

At the middle levels of the ants’ home there are rooms with food storage, storage rooms for collecting garbage, and even an ant cemetery where dead compatriots are brought. The main entrances to the anthill are also located at the middle level, that is, at the foot of the outer hill.

A large space is covered by a special chamber designed for. In the lower layers of the soil they shelter from frost, providing themselves with everything they need during the summer.

Law of development: choose a profession you like

But, perhaps, what was even more unexpected was that the ants were found to have different personalities that influenced their choice of professions. In general, among social Hymenoptera (to which ants also belong), each individual usually changes several professions in life. Immediately after emerging from the pupa, she works inside the nest - as a nanny, as a cleaner, then carries out security service at the entrance to the nest or near it, and, finally, moves into the category of food collectors - foragers. In some species of ants, the matter goes further: different professions require different body structures, and by the time the larva pupates, it is a foregone conclusion whether this pupa will emerge as a soldier, a nanny, or even a living barrel for storing sweet syrup. But in most species, workers can change their professions. Moreover, as it turns out, in accordance not only with age, but also with the needs of the family and one’s own inclinations. For example, almost all adult ants go through the profession of nanny, but the overwhelming majority of them then move on to other occupations, while some remain nannies for life. On the other hand, when in an experiment scientists completely removed nannies from some nests, some of the foragers returned to this profession and, in most cases, successfully coped with it.

Transport of leaves by leaf-cutter ants (Peru)

However, within each profession there is a choice. While getting food for your family, you can be a hunter, alone exploring distant areas in search of game. If he is lucky, the hunter will provide his family with a substantial portion of valuable animal protein, but no one guarantees him this luck. Or you can be a shepherd, walk a familiar path every day to the same branch of a plant where a colony of aphids sits, and return to the anthill with a constant yield of honeydew (the sugary secretions of aphids). Some foragers scout out rich sources of food and, returning to the nest, mobilize their comrades to develop them, while others only respond to such calls. Special studies have shown: under normal conditions (when there is no acute shortage of workers in a particular specialty in the family), it is not the profession that shapes the individual character of the ant - initiative, curiosity, the ability to captivate others, etc. - but this character determines the choice of profession. Scouts, observers, and coordinators of construction activities make up a very small part of the anthill population. But, as far as one can judge, they are the ones who make the decisions.

How to navigate an anthill in the forest

A landmark that will never let you down is a simple anthill. Ants live in almost any area. There are about 12,000 species of them and they adapt perfectly to any conditions. They do not live only in harsh natural conditions, such as deserts and cold northern regions. They are heat-loving insects and predominate mainly in warm regions. In conditions close to harsh, for example, in a temperate climate, they hibernate during the winter.

Anthill orientation

There are a huge number of types of ants and anthills, but the principles of their construction are the same. So, how can you navigate an anthill? The rules of reference are quite simple. Since ants prefer warmth, they build anthills on the south side of trees or other vegetation. Cold winds usually blow from the north, and the wide trunk of a tree serves as an excellent barrier from the wind. If you see a large anthill next to a tree or bush, then south will be exactly in the direction of the anthill from the tree.

There is another important feature of the anthill. The shape of the anthill will help you determine how to navigate the terrain using an anthill. If you find an anthill in a steppe area and it stands separate from the vegetation, it’s not a problem. The fact is that any type of anthill has a flatter shape on one side and steeper on the other. The flatter side is located towards the south, and the steep side is towards the north. This feature is again due to the fact that ants love warmth and the steeper side serves as a barrier from the wind.

However, the anthill is an imprecise natural landmark; the celestial bodies are more accurate. You can read how to navigate by the Moon and how to navigate by the Sun on our website.

The eggs laid by female ants are commonly eaten by Mexicans and Africans. They believe that eggs have a lot of protein and nutrients.
The longest life expectancy of a uterus is 14 years; the recorded case is a world record.
African tribes use bullet ant venom in male initiation rites. The hand of a boy undergoing a rite of passage is dipped into a container of ants, after which the hand becomes swollen and very painful. It is believed to induce resilience in boys.

Anthill

Once again, how to navigate the anthill briefly:

If you find an anthill in the middle of the forest and it grows next to the trunk of a tree or bush, then south is located on the side of the anthill from the tree. If you find an anthill in a steppe area, you should pay attention to its shape. The flatter side of the anthill is directed to the south, and the steeper side is directed to the north.. With this knowledge of terrain orientation, you can easily determine where the south is and where the north is, because it is very easy to remember

With this knowledge of terrain orientation, you can easily determine where south is and where north is, because it is very easy to remember.

And we saw what an anthill looks like. It is a small hill rising above ground level, covered with many twigs, leaves and blades of grass. The little inhabitants of this house are constantly scurrying around him. But not many people know how an anthill works from the inside.

How does an anthill work?

The anthill consists of a huge amount of various materials brought by hardworking ants - needles, sticks, etc. has a cone-shaped shape that rises above the tops of the plants. It’s not for nothing that ants build an anthill in the shape of a cone - thanks to this shape, rain rolls off in all directions, practically not getting inside. If the anthill were below the level of the grass, then the sun's rays would not get inside, and the ants would not be able to bask in the sun.

We can say that ants have a “winter apartment” and a “summer cottage”. Thanks to the ingenious “project” of the anthill, they spend the summer in the summer cone and winter in earthen passages.

Inside an ant colony

How does an ant colony work? Life in an anthill

An anthill is complex, even more complex than a hive. In the structure of their lives, ants are very similar to people - they are divided into social strata. There are slaves there (just like in the Middle Ages!), doctors, warriors, and hard workers. Ants are actively involved in breeding “pets”. For example, often near an anthill you can see paths diverging in all directions, many of which lead to trees. There is nothing surprising in this, because it is in the leaves of trees that there are aphids that feed on their sap. Aphids play the role of cash cows in the life of an anthill - they secrete a sweet syrup, so beloved by ants, if the latter lightly tickles it with their antennae.

Ant social strata

Military
, whose main task is to ensure the protection of the anthill. After all, ants are capable of seizing other people’s territories, so the anthill simply needs warriors;
Engineers and builders
who are responsible for arranging the anthill, creating new tunnels, communications, etc.;
Doctors
(in particular, surgeons and orderlies). If an ant is sick with something, it is immediately isolated from the rest, because doctors fear that the infection will spread throughout the anthill. If one of the limbs is damaged, surgeons simply gnaw it off;
Nurses
. They take care of the larvae;
Nannies
, who are responsible for raising the younger generation;
Foragers
, collecting and storing food in specially designated sections of the anthill;
Inseminators
, which ensure the reproduction of the inhabitants of the anthill;
Security guards
. Their responsibilities include protecting the anthill and, directly, its queen;
Livestock breeders
. Surprisingly, so do ants - they breed cicadas, aphids, and caterpillars. If the ant family wanders, the “cattle” are moved along with them. Some types of ants (leaf cutters, for example) are distinguished by the fact that they also grow mushrooms, which the entire colony can feed on;
Maternity hospital workers
who distribute eggs into special rooms of the anthill, as well as monitor the maintenance of a special temperature in them;
Nectar Guardians
are needed in the anthill in case there is suddenly a famine in it, and the working ants stop getting food. In this case, food reserves, which thrifty ants always have, will be used.

Ant Reproduction

In most ants, females and males hatch from laid eggs once a year, ready for fertilization. They find pairs from a nearby anthill. Immediately after fertilization, the males die. “Pregnant” females no longer return to the anthill - they crawl around the surrounding area, trying to find new places to create their own colony. Having found them, the female lays eggs and chews off her wings in order to obtain additional nutrients. After this, a new ant colony is formed.

Attack on an anthill

Ants often invade other anthills. This is sometimes done in a very sophisticated way - a female of one species penetrates the anthill of another species and charms the “local residents”. Being impressed, the ants themselves hand over their queen to her to be torn to pieces, after which they begin to serve the invader. Some ants enter someone else's anthill and steal the pupae there. Those who grew up in someone else's anthill later begin to work for its prosperity. Of course, any ant is in constant work, but usually they only care about the prosperity of their own species and their anthill.

Lomehuzy. Capturing and destroying an anthill. Everything is like people

other methods

Forest inhabitants will help tourists navigate the terrain without a compass or map. The squirrel inhabits only hollows protected from the prevailing winds. Insect paths on tree trunks are often on the south side. Migratory birds fly north in the spring and south in the fall. In spring, the snow begins to melt on the southern slopes of hollows and ravines, and the grass here is subsequently thicker and taller. In summer, on hot days, there is lush grass on the northern side of buildings, stones, and forest edges. The soil is drier and berries ripen earlier on southern slopes.

Using a nail, a sewing needle, or a piece of wire, you can make a homemade tourist compass. At the same time, you need to understand that it will point to the magnetic pole and there will be a small error. This piece of steel must be magnetized by rubbing it on wool. In one case, it can be tied on a long thread by the center of gravity, it will rotate and stop in the north-south position. In another case, a magnetized needle is placed on a dry leaf in a small pond, the needle will indicate the north-south direction.

Given all the knowledge about orienteering without a compass, you should remember that you should not use one or two methods. Use your knowledge repeatedly, test it and if several observations are correct, the group will find the right direction.

Anthill It is difficult for a lost person to figure out the forest. If you don’t have a compass at hand, you have to wander endlessly between identical plants, hoping for luck. But nature took care of the lost travelers. There are many clues around that can lead you out of the thicket. If you know which side of the tree the ants build their anthill on or where the moss grows, you can quickly find your way home.

By the anthill

The anthill is another natural compass, guided by which there are no problems regarding determining the cardinal directions. If you find yourself in the middle of a forest, you don’t have a compass, and you don’t know the way back, then you need to go in search of an anthill that will help you avoid difficult situations. Wild anthills are not entirely proportional; if you look closely, you can see one of the most convex sides and which part this structure tends to. These aspects need to be paid attention to during orientation.

The love for the warmth of these insects can also help humans. The side of the anthill that protrudes the most is located in the southern part of the hemisphere. Knowing that the hump with the greatest convexity is located in the South, navigating the anthill becomes a simple task. The main thing in this process is attentiveness and the ability to observe the processes occurring in nature.

Orientation by the sun and stars

To navigate by the Sun on a bright sunny day, you should wait until midday. At this time, the luminary is at its zenith, any shadow cast by objects becomes short. You should stand with your back to the luminary; the tourist’s shadow will indicate the direction to the north. The south will be behind the traveler. On his right hand there will be an eastern direction, on his left hand - a western direction.

In the off-season, on spring and autumn days, the sun will rise strictly in the east and set in the west. At noon in any season, the star is in the south and every shadow points to the north. On winter days, the sun will rise from the southeast and set from the southwest. On summer days, the sun will rise from the northeast and set from the northwest.

Any traveler has an idea of the constellations of his northern sky. Today, almost every schoolchild can find the stars Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in the sky. But although tourists may theoretically know that the North Star is the end star on the tail of Ursa Minor, finding it can be quite difficult. The advice to help with this is to find the two terminal stars in Ursa Major and mentally continue the line connecting them to the bright Polar Star. Standing facing it, the tourist will look north.

Table: determining parts of the world by the sun

By the moon

The southern side of the world is different in that there is a full moon there. The degree of its illumination depends on the position of the Sun. During the full moon, the Earth's satellite must be behind the observer; if the location of the moon is different, then the full moon is excluded. To determine the cardinal directions using the moon, it is necessary to conceivably divide the radius of the satellite into six equal parts, and then try to understand how many of these parts are in the field of view, that is, illuminated.

After this, it is necessary to add the number of shares if the moon is increasing, or subtract them if the luminary is waning. The resulting number must be noted on the dial of the wristwatch, and then combined with the position of the satellite. Now you need to find the angle that will be between number one in winter, and between number two in summer, and look at its direction - this will be the South of the globe.

Ant Society

The structure of the “social life” of an anthill is even more complex than the structure of life in a hive. Ants are a lot like people. For example, slavery is common in some species. Ants attack someone else's anthill and steal the pupae. Having then grown up in someone else's anthill, the captives work for its benefit. It would seem, what kind of slavery, when the unfortunate workers do nothing but selflessly work for the benefit of the queen and the males all their lives. But usually ants work for the prosperity of their own species and their own colony. By the way, huge Amazon ants specialize only in “military actions”: only stolen slaves work for the benefit of the anthill.

There is a more sophisticated way to seize power. There are species of ants whose female can literally charm ants of another species. She comes to a foreign colony, and the workers simply give her their own queen to be torn to pieces, and subsequently serve the guest.

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And who said that ants someday stop building an anthill? They are constantly building and rebuilding it, sometimes more actively, sometimes less. The larger the population of an anthill, the more it grows in height and width. At some point, when there are too many ants and it is no longer possible to organize their mass, part of the family separates and builds a so-called “bud” - a daughter anthill not far from the first. Some of the workers go there along with the brood and females. But anthills do not grow upward indefinitely, simply because it is inconvenient. At some point, something begins to collapse, some structure becomes inconvenient, and then they begin to rebuild it or build it wider instead of upward. This is not just some kind of heap, but an architectural structure with an underground part and an internal cone - a structure made of twigs that holds the entire dome. Sometimes, when for some reason part of the ant family cannot branch off and begin building a daughter anthill, the structure becomes truly huge - up to two meters in height. But for this to happen, it is usually necessary to have some kind of dead stump inside as a cone, and this does not happen very often.

The answer to the question cannot be given, since the ants never stop working on the anthill. To understand at what point an anthill stops increasing in volume, you need to look at its development cycle.

As a rule, most species of ants build an anthill as needed - the number grows, the ants dig new chambers, and bring the soil to the surface. Over time, a hill grows from above around the entrance, in which the ants build more chambers. Then the cycle repeats again and continues until the colony reaches its maximum number - from that moment on, the chamber system occupies approximately the same volume and no longer requires expansion.

But even after this, the anthill continues to change - some galleries will be flooded with water during rain, plants will sprout somewhere and make holes - the ants have to quickly rebuild the anthill to suit the changing environment.

In general, the big question is why the actions of ants are coordinated and appropriate. This is a question about the essence of intelligence. Sometimes they say about ants that they are carriers of the so-called distributed intelligence. Each ant is just a simple insect. And all together they perform rather complex actions, including building an anthill of a certain design and size, obtaining food, and guarding eggs. How such a result could arise as a result of evolution is not entirely clear. Some kind of adaptation to environmental conditions is understandable. But here we are talking about something more than a simple device. Apparently, these insects are born with abilities and behavior algorithms already recorded in memory. Where did they come from, these algorithms? Or they appeared on their own. Or someone wrote it down.

By the stumps

Tree rings on tree stumps are a phenomenon known throughout society. With their help, you can not only determine the age of the tree, but also navigate the area. The arrangement of the rings along the entire circumference of the stump is uneven; they are closer to each other in the north, and move further apart in the south. You need to take a closer look and compare the distance between the rings. For greater clarity, you can look at several stumps and compare their rings.

Having studied this information, you no longer have to worry about getting lost, even if you don’t have a compass or other device for finding your way around. You can always arrive at the right point using only natural compasses and indicators.

Every fisherman needs an assistant, so in their work they use a bite alarm with their own hands; making it is not at all difficult. This device can report that a fish has touched the bait, and also suggests the most appropriate moment to hook. Today in specialized stores you can find a wide selection of such useful devices, but they are not always nearby at the right time. Therefore, it is better to familiarize yourself with how to make a bite alarm with your own hands.

How to make a visual alarm yourself?
Homemade sound devices

There are many types of this homemade device. Every experienced fisherman has his own.

They can be divided into the following models:

pendulum;
nodding;
sound;
electronic.

The first option is the simplest. It is made from twigs, lumps of clay, which are suspended near the end of the rod on the main line. However, this bite sensor has its drawback. So, they are silent, and the impact of clay (wood) quickly wears out the main line.

But the nodding device is considered the most perfect. It differs in that it reacts even if the smallest fish bites.

An audible bite alarm is necessary when fishing takes place not with one, but with several fishing rods. Such models can be very diverse. You can take a banal brass sleeve. But it can also be a more complex design.

If we talk about electronic signaling devices, these designs can also be different. They should be attached to the form in front of 1 or 2 rings.

However, the best option is considered to be combined ones, which are capable of delivering not only a visual signal, sound, but also light.

In addition, it is recommended to always have several devices with you to respond to bites. For example, when it is windy outside, the rods should be positioned horizontally, this will reduce the air flow directly affecting the action of the blanks. In this case, it is the pendulum device that will work perfectly, which additionally needs to be equipped with a rattle. Then you can fish with several fishing rods.

Which devices are best to use should be decided depending on the fishing conditions, that is, individually for each specific case. In any case, the main thing to remember is that the alarms begin to react when the fish swallows the bait. Therefore, this weapon is considered simply irreplaceable.

How to make a visual alarm yourself?

Most fishermen use visual alarms to detect bites.

To build such models, you cannot do without:

float;
rod tip;
additional beacon;
firefly lighthouse (if fishing at night).

So, if you decide to make a homemade bite alarm from a float, then you can use a cork, a feather from a large bird (for example, a goose), or a twig. These devices should be attached to the fishing line using an elastic band.

A nod made independently will signal inactive prey. Those made of springy metal wire have proven themselves well. A plate will also do. The nod should be attached with adhesive tape to the top of the rod. It should be noted that it is the nodding signal that is most often used.

Those who like to fish at night prefer bite alarms in the form of a firefly. This light option requires a soft polymer tube, which must be baited on the edge of the rod. Afterwards, a luminous type indicator is attached to the other side. If the tube and the mount are incompatible, clear adhesive tape will do the trick to secure them in place. If the firefly is needed for constant use, then it should be stored in the freezer.

The simplest device is a tube made of foil. You need to secure it to the fishing line. Such a model will change its position if the fishing line becomes taut. In addition, it will be clearly visible at night. However, this unit has a high windage capacity, so during windy conditions it is worth using another option.

Homemade sound devices

If a person has an ear for music, then he can easily determine which fishing rod was triggered by the bell. They are easy to make yourself. To do this, you will need a piece of metal pipe, where a tongue is placed inside, for which a bolt or nut is suitable. The mounting here will also be very simple. A clothespin works great for this.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the correct bell, which is distinguished by its fixation on the feeder. There are two methods of fastening.

Any household clamp is a simple and effective method.
Connecting a wire with a hook is the most reliable option.

You can easily make an audible bite alarm with your own hands using a bell. This option will be the most basic. Bells have different tones and vibrations.

Mechanical alarms are divided into several types:

sensitive nod;
monkey;
swinger.

The method of constructing the nod was described above. This could be the tip of the rod or the float. Its operating principle is quite simple. So, when the fishing line is stretched, the nod begins to bend.

The monkey looks like a weight. It is also attached to the fishing line, and it is located among the reel and the input ring of the rod. The weight creates a slack in the fishing line. The fish begins to peck and this sag gradually decreases, which is why the monkey moves.

The swinger looks like a small plastic head with a clamp. It is fixed on a lever with a weight. Thus, mechanical devices are very simple, which is why they are so easy to make with your own hands.

So, the fishing line must be passed through a special hole in the corresponding device where the wheel is located. It will rotate and signal when the fishing line is pulled. The fisherman will receive a signal in the form of sound, vibration and light.

Why are these types of models in demand today? The fact is that you cannot move away from a mechanical tool, since you can miss the necessary moment. However, it is not always possible to constantly monitor the rod. An electric beacon will do this perfectly.

He doesn't need constant presence. There is a wide selection of these products in stores.

They can be:

visual;
sound;
combined.

Of course, any angler is constantly improving his gear according to his own understanding and inclinations. At the same time, it is worth trying all the types of alarms that were given above, which react differently to a bite. Thanks to this, fishing will become a real creative process, even more exciting and interesting.

Their operating principle is the closing and opening of electrical circuits. To make the simplest version, you will need several parts. But it is important to follow some rules.

The keychain that is used as a basis must have a certain melody.
It is attached to the feeder, namely to its stand, but the contacts must be in a closed state.
They are brought out as two plates.
In the area where the coil and the first ring are located, a piece of plastic (1 mm thick) should be fixed.
The second end must be inserted among the output contacts.

It should be understood that the signaling device is an important element for successful fishing. If you get acquainted with all the rules for its manufacture, you can quickly and easily build it with your own hands. Any model will be easy to use and effective.

The ability to navigate among unfamiliar places is an important quality of a modern, competent tourist. This means, first of all, not to get lost in an unfamiliar place, to establish your location in time by the sides of the horizon and geographical objects, and to find out the direction of further movement.

It’s good when an experienced instructor takes a compass on a hike; this is not always the case in unprepared groups. If tourists find themselves in an unfamiliar area without a compass, there is no need to despair. There are many ways to navigate the terrain without this device and it’s worth getting to know them.

Internal buildings

The inside of an anthill is much more interesting. I am amazed by the smooth work of the builders, their thoughtfulness, ingenuity and tolerance. Inside, the anthill looks like a collection of passages, exits, and all kinds of cameras.

The building goes underground, is divided into 2 parts, and accommodates an entire colony of inhabitants.

Insects spend most of their time in the upper tier and live during the warm season. The chambers are well heated, providing ideal conditions for raising offspring.
The lower part has similar structures and goes 1-2 meters underground. There, insects spend the winter, wait out cold days, and store food supplies.

Each of these parts is divided into chambers that perform their own functions.

Queen's room. The queen lives in it and lays eggs. She is looked after by worker ants who help lay eggs.
Egg room. Ants lay eggs here and ensure proper conditions are provided.
Room for larvae. Hatched ants have the shape of worms and are particularly voracious. They are placed in one chamber, several at a time. Provide food.
Food storage room. Separately for seeds, grains, aphids, parts of other insects.
Garbage warehouse.
Tombs for dead ants.
A wintering room where insects wait out the cold at rest.

The cells are connected to each other by numerous passages; there are several exits, carefully guarded by soldiers. With the approach of danger, the onset of cold weather, the openings of the anthill close. A cross-sectional photo of the wonderful structure is shown below.

Anthill in section

Orientation by temples and glade pillars

Orthodox churches and Catholic churches are built oriented towards the cardinal points. Just look at the crosses located on the Orthodox church, the lower part of the lower crossbar points to the south, the upper to the north.

The entrance to the temple and the bell tower are located on the west side, the altar in the church is located on the east. In Catholic churches, on the contrary, the altar is located in the west. For Muslim mosques, it is more difficult to determine the sides of the horizon; they are oriented towards Mecca. Likewise, Jewish synagogues are oriented towards Jerusalem. Although the doors of synagogues and mosques are in the north.

If you manage to find a clearing in the forest, if necessary, you should look for a post with bright numbers on it. They will point tourists to the square number of the topographic map of the area. The smallest numbers of the cutting column will point to the north.

Where is the anthill located?

There is little sunlight in the forest. Warm rays barely break through the dense foliage of the trees. And they are insects that love warmth. Therefore, little hard workers try to get the maximum possible sunlight for the anthill.

They will build in a place where they are more likely to receive heat. The trunk and crown provide a powerful shadow, which means that the ant house should be placed where the tree will not interfere - on the south side.

If an insect nest is located in a clearing, then it is worth inspecting its slopes:

the southern part is flat;
the opposite side will remain steep.

You need to remember how to navigate the anthill

But it is worth paying attention to other details. So, mushrooms grow from the north of the stump, and berries turn red faster from the south

A dark stripe forms on the northern part of the pine, and the opposite side is covered with sticky resin. This knowledge will help you navigate the thicket and get out of it before dark.

Anthill in section

Anthill in section.

The structure of an ant.

A typical anthill, in which the red wood ant family lives, has a complex multi-chamber structure. Up to one and a half million ants can live in such a structure, erected on an old stump.

Covering with needles and twigs. Protects the home from the vicissitudes of the weather, repaired and updated by working ants.

“Solarium” is a chamber heated by the rays of the sun. In the spring, the inhabitants come here to warm themselves.

One of the entrances. Guarded by soldiers. Serves as a ventilation duct.

"Cemetery". Worker ants carry dead ants and garbage here.

Wintering chamber. Insects gather here to survive the cold in a state of semi-hibernation.

"Bread Barn" This is where ants store grains.

The royal chamber where the queen lives, laying up to one and a half thousand eggs a day. She is looked after by worker ants.

Chambers with eggs, larvae and pupae.

"Cowshed" where ants keep aphids.

10.

A “meat pantry” where foragers bring caterpillars and other prey.

Ant structure

There are an estimated billion billion ants in the world, belonging to 12 thousand species. Their total biomass is approximately equal to the biomass of humanity.

A brain consisting of approximately 500 thousand neurons.

Intestines.

The stalk is a narrow part of the body that connects the thorax to the abdomen and gives flexibility to the movements of the insect.

Metapleural gland. Produces antibiotics that protect the ant from bacteria.

Nervous system. Consists of three thoracic and several abdominal ganglia.

Goiter. Contains liquid digested food, which the ant regurgitates and transfers to other members of the colony in the process of trophallaxis - food exchange.

Chitin exoskeleton. Protects the body, ensures its strength and serves as a support for muscles.

Sting. Not available in all species.

Dufour's gland. Produces pheromones that serve as signals for ants following the trail.

10.

A leg consisting of five sections.

11.

Poisonous gland. The red ant produces formic acid, and in some other species it produces a paralyzing poison.

12.

Stomach.

13.

Eye. Visual acuity varies between species. Some see objects hundreds of meters away, other species are almost blind.

14.

Mandibular (jaw) gland. Releases alarm pheromones when attacked by a predator or when strangers appear.

15.

Spur on the leg for cleaning antennae.

16.

Claws. There are two of them on each leg, between them there is a pad that secretes a sticky liquid that allows the ant to walk on smooth or inclined surfaces.

17.

Antennas, with the help of which the ant receives information about the smell, taste, chemical composition, texture of various objects and exchanges it with its fellows.

18.

Postpharyngeal (retropharyngeal) gland. Fats intended for feeding the larvae are produced and stored here.

19.

Mandible. They serve for capturing and chewing food, and also as a weapon.

See the issue on the same topic

If you are a fan of frequent walks and long hikes in the forest, then you need to have many useful survival skills in the wild. Such knowledge includes the ability to navigate the terrain well without a compass. There are a variety of natural landmarks, and one of these is an anthill.

Forest “light bulbs” and “lighthouses”

In order not to get lost in the forest, you need to select clearly visible landmarks in advance, which help determine the location, direction of movement and measure the distance to the intended points along the route. The writer A. Avdeenko in his book “Above the Tisa” talks about his hero Kablukov like this:

“The thick fog did not prevent Kablukov from finding his way. By signs scattered here and there along the patrol path, he easily determined where he was. Here is the rocky bed of a ditch, washed by spring rains, which means that more than a third of the path has already been passed. After fifty steps there should be the stump of an old oak tree. Yes, that's right, here it is. In seven minutes, through the thickness of the fog, the bare trunk of an oak tree, broken by lightning, will blacken, then, on the other, on the right flank, a large boulder will appear, deeply rooted in the ground.”

In areas of the forest affected by honey fungus, there are peculiar, unusual landmarks - “light bulbs”. You are walking in the silence of the forest at night, and suddenly in the impenetrable darkness bright lights of phosphorescent light flash: the growing ends of the rhizomorphs of honey mushrooms glow. Rhizomorphs
are plexuses of honey fungus mycelium, very long, shiny black-brown cords, similar to electrical cords. As many rhizomorphs are around, there are as many “light bulbs”.
Honey fungus usually settles on stumps and other rotting remains of wood. The mycelium of the honey fungus, covered with a dense shell, is highly branched under the bark of trees, especially weak ones, penetrates with its branches into living wood, sucks the juices out of it and destroys the tree. The ends of the mycelium (rhizomorphs), protruding outwards, glow like bright miniature light bulbs. On a summer night, forest “beacons” can indicate the way along a winding taiga path. These are rotten things
, sparkling with phosphoric fire.
Rotten stumps phosphorescent most brightly. Trembling luminous streams “flow” from top to bottom along them. Myriads of bacteria nest here. Bioluminescent microbes contain complex chemicals - luciferin and luciferose. Different bacteria have their own fluorescents, differing in luminescence intensity and color. These lights gave rise to many superstitions. But the cold light at night has a simple explanation. This is bioluminescence
, that is, a living glow, especially active in windy weather, with an abundance of oxygen and moisture. It doesn't stop around the clock. So, in order to avoid wandering in the forest at night when returning from a route taken during the day, it is advisable to remember in advance the location of rotting trees or dilapidated stumps, which will serve as kind of light indicators along the way; in addition, orientation by moss or anthill will help you find the right direction.

There are a lot of ways to reliably determine the cardinal directions, but not all of them are within the power of ordinary people. If you are not sure whether you can understand how to determine the cardinal directions without a compass, then it is better to use special auxiliary devices for this. If you still have confidence in your own skills, then you can use natural tips. Nature itself makes it clear which sides of the world are where, you just need to carefully study everything and listen to all the advice.

Anthill diagram

Ants always choose a place for an anthill and materials for their house carefully. The anthill itself consists of an above-ground part and an underground nest. On top it is covered with twigs and needles, which protect the home from bad weather. And even if it looks unattractive in appearance, there is a whole town inside.

Inputs and outputs

Anthill in section

Entrances and exits serve not only to enter and exit, but also perfectly ventilate the room. The strongest and largest ants guard the entrance to the anthill, covering it with their body. Before it rains, the entrance is closed to ensure that all passages and chambers remain dry.

Solarium

This is usually the upper chamber, or room. Due to its location, it heats up very quickly and ants come here to warm themselves. And in the spring, they can spread heat on their bodies, warming up the entire anthill.

Cemetery

If you go lower down the anthill, you may stumble upon piles of dead ants and garbage. All this is put into a separate cell, which is not very deep and not far from the ventilation.

Wintering chamber

Like bears, ants also hibernate to survive the harsh cold. For this they need their own den. Usually it is located somewhere in the middle of the anthill.

Storage

Ants store plant seeds in storage in case they cannot find food for themselves. Some ants take care of the food and even take it out into the sun to dry it.

Royal chambers

The queen of ants, the queen, lives in the royal chambers. Usually she is also the first resident in her colony. The queen very rarely leaves the anthill. The whole point of her life is to lay eggs.

Nursery and kindergarten in an anthill

These are chambers in which eggs, larvae and pupae are stored. Nannies are nearby all the time, because the larvae need food and round-the-clock supervision. They move them up or down the anthill depending on the weather, trying to always keep them warm and in the required humidity.

Pantry

The place where all the most nutritious things are located. This is where the ants store caterpillars and other food they have caught.

During its life, an ant can perform only one job, and can even change with other ants. But he carries out any assignment with great precision and dedication. Work that requires great physical exertion is often performed by young and hardy ants.

What's the harm?

Many species of ants are considered beneficial to humans, but two species - turf and garden ants (black and red) - cause harm to gardens and vegetable gardens. In particular, these insects use the sweet secretions of sucking pests as an additional (and sometimes the main) source of nutrition. For this reason, ants protect aphids, psyllids, scale insects and false scale insects from attacks by enemies, and contribute to their settlement and reproduction. And our plants are left with bloodless leaves, contaminated with sticky honeydew, which serves as a breeding ground for sooty fungi.

In addition, the inhabitants of anthills damage the roots, eat the seeds in the soil without leaving a trace, and gnaw on seedlings and seedlings with appetite.

Exterior view of the ant house

What ants build an anthill from can be seen from the outside - dry twigs, sticks, blades of grass, leaves, piles of earth, moss and other building materials that hardworking insects can carry.

From above, the house looks like a cone-shaped mound with small holes - entrances. This shape allows the anthill to warm up well in the sun, not get wet in the rain, and gain access to oxygen.

The anthill rises above the grass so that the surrounding vegetation does not block the sun's rays. Over the years, they build it up to several meters in height. Droplets of rain, falling on a numerous layer of sticks, twigs, leaves, roll down and do not penetrate inside. Open entrances, guarded by a large army of soldiers, serve as ventilation shafts through which air constantly circulates.

Appearance of an anthill Scientists have recorded the largest structure in the Tomsk region - 3 m in height, 5 m in diameter. The anthill supposedly took 20 years to build.

Tree navigation

If tourists find themselves without a compass in an unfamiliar forest area, they need to look carefully at the trees. In the south, the tree crown is more luxuriant and there are significantly more leaves. The densest branches in the dense forest develop here; the sun heats them better. Trees reach out for warmth with every leaf. In the north there are much fewer leaves and branches.

The method is not absolutely correct; allowances must be made for prevailing winds, the presence of moisture, and soil types. It is more reliable to navigate along lonely growing trees than in a dense forest.

You can navigate by the bark in a birch forest; from the south it is always lighter, more elastic and thinner. Roughness and cracks, dark growths form on the trunks of birch trees from the north. Birch is a very flexible, thin-trunked tree in young forests; the tilt of the trunk will indicate the direction of the prevailing winds.

You can navigate by the cut down stump; you just need to carefully examine the annual rings on it. Where the gaps between the annual rings are larger - south, and where the rings are located close to each other - north. It’s good if you come across a clearing with cut trees along the way. Even a few stumps will help confirm your orientation assumptions.

In the forests along which tourist routes pass, there are special signs called tourist markings. They are painted on the trunks along a planned route, always from the nearest populated area.

Orientation by moss and lichen

Mosses and lichens do not like heat and light, so they grow in the shady side. This means that where there are mosses and lichens, there is north; on the south side there is less or no moss at all. Now orienteering on moss
will not present you with any difficulties. You can also determine the direction by looking at the soil around the stone. On one side it is relatively dry (south), and on the opposite side it is wetter (north). Usually an old, rotting stump is overgrown with moss on all sides. But to determine where north and south are, you need to check the moisture content of the moss, not the soil.

Strict hierarchy

In the photo, a cross-section of the inside of the anthill looks like a labyrinth. But in this maze everything happens according to an algorithm. Each insect has its own responsibilities, which are assigned to it immediately after its birth. An adult can choose a role for herself according to her preferences:

construction ants;
nannies;
maternity ward workers;
transporters;
warriors;
security guards;
scouts;
food getters.

The most responsible and valuable profession among ants is caring for their offspring. Only ants close to the queen receive it. Stronger and more aggressive individuals become good warriors and home guards. Insects with navigation skills become scouts for new territories to search for food. Strong and resilient members of the colony carry food and cargo along the countless passages of the anthill.

Housing construction is carried out by the lowest classes. Often an anthill is built by individuals who were enslaved during the next raid on neighboring colonies. During such military campaigns, insects can penetrate the enemy's chamber with pupae and steal them. The ants hatched from the pupae may even be of a different species, but this does not prevent them from becoming lifelong slaves from birth.

An anthill with ants demonstrates a highly organized form, where each resident contributes to the common cause. Scientists still do not understand what controls all members of the colony, because they do not have a think tank. But this does not prevent the ants from running their household, raising their offspring and organizing their life within the walls of a huge house.

what does an anthill look like from the inside

Show description This strange abstract sculpture is nothing more than a “cast” of a fire ant nest from the inside. It is obtained by pouring molten aluminum into the external outlet of the socket. Interesting, beautiful and educational. True, angry voices accuse the author of cruelty and that the price of a dubious piece of art was thousands of small deaths, but such hypocrites would do well to know that red fire ants, whose nest was used for the experiment, are one of the most dangerous insect species for humans (a bite from even one can cause a severe allergic reaction and death) and are destroyed everywhere in the southern states of the United States using boiling water, poisons, and liquid nitrogen.

Video taken from channel: Timur S

Interesting life inside

From birth there is a division into castes.

Most of the family are worker ants. One half provides coziness and comfort inside the structure, the other half brings food from the outside environment and builds a house outside.
At the head of the hierarchy is the female, who is also called the uterus, the queen. Once fertilized at a young age, it produces offspring throughout its entire life. Finds a place for the future anthill. In 14 days, full-fledged ants emerge from the eggs, mainly a working clan. Accepted for the building.
A small part of the society are young males. Their fate is not so happy. After fertilization, the young females die within 2 weeks.

Each ant has its own individual smell. All inhabitants of a single anthill also differ in their specific aroma. By smell, a society distinguishes its resident from a stranger. With the help of specific aromas, they report the presence of food, danger, and different-sex individuals find each other for fertilization.

Life of an anthill In ant society there are more than a dozen “professions”:

scouts;
invader warriors;
soldier guards;
builders;
orderlies;
nannies;
breadwinners;
shepherds, milkers;
transporters;
nurses;
guardians of food and nectar;
midwives.

Life in an anthill continues for years. If there is a threat of collapses or damage, the ant family begins to build another home in the immediate vicinity to make it more convenient to drag supplies, eggs, and larvae.

The structure of an anthill resembles a large city with a developed civilization, division into societies, and a clear distribution of responsibilities. A simple structure on the outside is a complex structure on the inside.