Ants carrying feathers

[abstibus]

I have been trying to find out if ants use down feathers in their nests. Do the ants pick the feathers up because they're there, or are they doing it with a purpose?

[heathfield]

It may be that to the ant, the feather smells edible, so it thinks it's onto a good thing. I remember on holiday watching a team of ants lugging a cocktail stick that had been dropped after the cherry had been eaten.

[LoftyLottie]

I find that quite sad heathfield, all the hard work for nothing. Poor little ants.

[wildwood]

Feathers are mainly keratin, the same as our fingernail. This is protein not often encountered so they are just taking advantage of the situation.

Hence..... one day ants will rule the world.

[merciasounds]

Not while I've got a kettle of boiling water they won't!

[wildwood]

merciasounds - that won't do any good. Ants are mainly beneficial to the invading humans.

Like most animals, insects breed far more individuals than will survive. By removing a few thousand, you leave an empty territory which will soon be invaded by a new wandering group looking for a patch. If you do not want ants in the house make sure there is no food (residue) or dust(mainly shed human skin) around.

[cazzz1975]

well said wildwood, however if there is food, ants will do a great job of cleaning it up

[abstibus]

Ant sizes
I spent some time watching a colony working, and wondered why the ants are different sizes. Some are very tiny, and others larger with bulbous heads, but I can't find any info on the Net about the differences. I have to admit that I fed them leftover couscous and cassoulet just to watch them demolish the treats. I could get quite addicted to this lazy pastime (outside, I hasten to add).

[heathfield]

The ants are different sizes because within the colony different castes of ants perform different functions. Scroll down to ''Colony Hierarchy'' here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafcutter_ant

[abstibus]

Thanks to all. I am going to do a bit of investigation, as they fascinate me.