11-JUL-2009
One of the Myrmica workers overlooking the mayhem
The ants are of the genus Myrmica - it's almost impossible to say more. As Myrmica rubra is the most common species here, I guess that's what they are.
11-JUL-2009
Myrmica larvae in different stages
Some are little more than fat worms, others already sport eyes and legs. Those are probably pupa, pupated larvae that will soon shed their pupa skin and emerge as "real" red ants.
11-JUL-2009
Getting to work! They grab the larvae tenderly with their claws.
The nurse ants take good care of their little sisters. It looks like they stumble around aimlessly, and they probably do, but during their erratic running, they stumble over exposed larvae, grab one, and carry it off.
11-JUL-2009
Myrmica in disarray
The nurse ants are frantically trying to get a hold on anything that's larva
11-JUL-2009
That way!
Finally, more and more head off in the right direction.
11-JUL-2009
The abyss to the right is where they took them
This tiny hole in the ground must be the entrance to the nest itself. Less than two minutes after I accidentally uncovered this outpost, all larvae were safely back inside.
