Tiny garden neighbours
Ant
A tiny worker who follows invisible trails.
Ants are small insects that live in colonies. They work together to find food and care for their nest.
This friend is very quiet, so you're hearing the place where it lives.
Interesting facts
- Ants leave scent trails so others can follow them to food.
- Ants can carry things much heavier than their own bodies.
- An ant colony usually has a queen who lays the eggs.
- Ants help mix and air the soil when they dig tunnels.
Where it lives
Soil, cracks in paths, under stones and inside dead wood.
It might be…
- Walking in a line
- Carrying a crumb or seed
- Touching antennae with another ant
Why it matters
Ants move seeds, clean up dead insects and help keep soil healthy.
Being a good friend
- Watch the trail from beside it, not on it.
- Keep your hands and feet away — some ants bite or sting.
- Follow the line with your eyes.
Please don't
- Don't touch, hold or pick it up.
- Don't chase it or block its path.
- Don't take it home — its home is outside.
- Don't block or break an ant trail or nest.
- Don't put food out for them.
Mission
Trail Detective
Look along a path or wall for a line of ants.