Where: All of Sweden
When: All year round
What: Anthills
Did you ever notice the large mounds scattered across the forest floor? These are anthills, these incredible architectural masterpieces are often overlooked in the grandeur of the surrounding trees and landscapes. But once you take a closer look, you'll find that these tiny homes are filled with life and wonder.
THE BUSY LIFE OF ANTS
Ants are social insects, and their colonies can be massive, housing thousands or even millions of individuals. Each anthill is a complex structure that serves as a home, nursery, and storage space for the colony. The visible mound is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, there are extensive tunnels and chambers where ants go about their daily business.
Watching ants at work can be mesmerizing. They are constantly moving, carrying food, building and repairing their hill, and tending to the young. The organization within an anthill is fascinating—each ant has a specific role, whether it’s a worker, soldier, or queen, and they all work together to keep the colony thriving.
WHY DO SOME ANTS BUILD ANTHILLS WHILE OTHERS DON’T?
Not all ant species build anthills. The construction of these mounds is primarily associated with ants that live in colder or temperate climates, such as those in Sweden. The primary species that build these hills are wood ants, known scientifically as Formica rufa. These ants construct mounds to regulate temperature and humidity, providing a stable environment for their colony throughout the year, especially during the harsh winter months.
In contrast, ants in warmer climates might live in simpler underground nests or even arboreal nests (in trees) where temperature regulation is less of a concern. The choice of nest type depends on the species' specific needs and the environment in which they live.
THE PURPOSE OF AN ANTHILL
An anthill is much more than a pile of dirt. It serves several critical functions that are vital to the colony’s survival. One of the primary purposes is climate control; the structure helps regulate the internal temperature and humidity of the nest, which is crucial for the survival of the colony, especially in regions with extreme weather. The mound also provides protection against predators and flooding, with its height and structure helping to keep water out during heavy rains.
Additionally, anthills have various chambers that serve different purposes, such as storing food, rearing young, and housing the queen. Beyond these practical functions, the mound reflects the colony’s highly organized social structure, with different chambers dedicated to specific tasks, such as nurseries for larvae and storage for food.
HOW OLD CAN AN ANTHILL BECOME? HOW BIG CAN IT GET?
Anthills can last for many years, sometimes even decades, as long as the colony remains active and healthy. Some anthills in the forests of Sweden have been recorded to be over 30 years old. The size of an anthill can vary greatly, depending on the species and the age of the colony. A typical wood ant hill can reach up to 1 meter in height and can spread out several meters in diameter, although some particularly old and well-established anthills can grow even larger.
ARE DIFFERENT HILLS CONNECTED?
In some cases, yes. Wood ants, particularly those in the Formica genus, can create what are known as "supercolonies." These are networks of interconnected anthills, where different mounds are linked by underground tunnels or simply by the movement of ants between them. These supercolonies can cover vast areas and house millions of ants, all cooperating as part of a larger community.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTHILLS IN THE ECOSYSTEM
Anthills play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem. They aerate the soil, making it easier for plants to grow, and they help decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the earth. Ants also control the population of other insects, acting as natural pest control.
In Sweden, you’ll often find wood ants (röd skogsmyra) building large mounds in the forest. These ants are particularly important in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. Their presence is a good indicator of a healthy forest.
Next time you're coming across an anthill, take a closer look at the hard working ants. You’ll be surprised how mesmerizing these little creatures can be. If you have kids with you, this can be a great opportunity to teach them about the importance of even the smallest animals in the environment.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Anthill research by SLU (in Swedish): slu.se/globalassets/ew/ew-centrala/forskn/popvet-dok/faktaskog/faktaskog03/4s03-02.pdf
Examples of massive anthills in Surahammer:
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