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Abandoned ant hill excavation reveals a city

We originally published this video of a giant, abandoned ant hill being excavated by scientists way back in 2013. Every so often it goes viral again, and with good reason! It’s fascinating.

Watch an abandoned ant hill excavation

This video clip (from a longer documentary, Ants! Nature’s Secret Power) shows the excavation of a huge abandoned ant city. Grass-cutter ants had once created this former colony. Over the course of three days, scientists pumped 10 tons of cement into the empty ant hill. After weeks of digging, the scientists revealed the colony’s intricate and impressive structure. It’s amazing!

By the way, note the word abandoned. No ant genocide here, although a marvelous underground structure was altered in the name of science.

If this clip piques your interest, know that you can also view the full-length documentary at Top Documentary Films. The documentary introduces us to the world of ants through the eyes of Bert Hölldobler, entomologist and friend of world-renowned scientist E.O. Wilson. Award-winning cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler captured the scene.

The more I learn about ants, the more my mind is blown.

Giant ant hill excavation: Close-up of an ant with antennae down, walking on greenery.
Ants are amazing insects. Image via Michael Willinger/ Pexels.

Bottom line: Watch a giant ant hill excavation in this video clip from “Ants! Nature’s Secret Power” by cameraman Wolfgang Thaler and entomologist Bert Hölldobler.

Posted 
September 20, 2022
 in 
Earth

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Emily Howard

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