I’ve been waiting for the carpenter ants who live in this elm tree to wake up.

[futurebird@sauropods.win]

I’ve been waiting for the carpenter ants who live in this elm tree to wake up. (they must still be having their coffee) It’s still cold. But I know the carpenters have a huge nest in this tree.

Then I spot this black ant skulking around their nest entrance. Not Camponotus! This Formica (field ant) is up to no good! #Mosstodon #lichen #lichensubscribe #ants #antphoto #formica

[naturemc@mastodon.online]

@futurebird You just inspired me to take my coffee mug to the garden and drink it while talking to some ants!

[futurebird@sauropods.win]

@NatureMC

It’s fun to get to know a few colonies— soon you are very invested in all of their drama and politics.

[futurebird@sauropods.win]

The carpenters continue to sleep and I’ve spotted another interloper taking advantage of their absence. This time it is Prenolepis imparis, “the winter ant” who is named for their cold tolerance.

[naturemc@mastodon.online]

@futurebird 🤭

[wendigo@metalhead.club]

@futurebird I guess you can't catch a break when you're a sleepy carpenter ant... ;>)

[futurebird@sauropods.win]

Yet another species of ant on this elm tree (and the carpenters are still asleep!) this is probably Lasius, maybe Lasius neoniger?
#antphoto #Lasius

[futurebird@sauropods.win]

Now it’s just embarrassing for the carpenters ants who I thought were the rulers of this tree! I don’t even know who these little ants are. They could be pavement ants. But I didn’t collect one so I’ll never know.

The carpenters are still asleep.

#ants #antphoto