Giant ants with large mandibles locked in mortal combat
Each ant grabbing unto fallen twigs to secure oneself and to pull its opponent
Notice the decapitated hind leg of one of the combatants
Twisting, grabbing, pulling as they crawl
No ant is budging! No ant is giving up! Grip and pull!
It was a very cool morning out in the desert area adjacent the Dubai Academic City. I was exploring the sand and shrubs, searching for beetles and spiders, when I observed two large black ants with their huge mandibles tightly pulling one another. Initially, I thought the two ants were just doing their food transfer habit (trophallaxis) and will part ways. I was surprised to see that their mandibles were locked in mortal combat against each other. The two giant ants were twisting, grabbing unto fallen twigs and grasses, trying its best to secure a position to pull and overpower its opponent. It was like witnessing a live insect wrestling match and the main event to determine the winner involves a brutal tug-of-war. I waited and observed for over 15 minutes, on my knees in the sand, the ants were relentless, no one is giving up. The two ant warriors where still locked in mortal combat!
GIANT ANT, Camponotus xerxes (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
The Giant Ant (Camponotus xerxes) is among the largest of the ants species, belonging to the group of the Carpenter ants. The workers can measure up to 14mm while the soldiers can reach up to 18mm in length.
Worker ants are black in color with slender head and thorax. The soldiers are also black but possessed an enlarge head equipped with massive mandibles.
DISTRIBUTION OF GIANT ANTS
These large ants are reported and observed to be present in Saudi Arabi, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.
BIODYNAMIC NOTES
Giant ants have smaller colonies as compared to other ants. They do not follow trails and are more solitary when foraging for food. They are carnivores. They feed on other insects, even fellow carpenter ants, especially the individuals from rival colonies.
These ants are active hunter during the day (DIURNAL) and are most commonly found in the desert areas.
These ants can release formic acid and their bite can produce a burning sensation on the skin.
After 15 minutes, the two ants where still at each others mandibles. I left without seeing who among the two ant combatants won. With the tenacity of those ants it will be a long match!
Carpenter Ants are truly awesome!
Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!
Thanks for your support and careful attention.
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