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Good to know
Six things about ants
TrailsFollow the leader
Ants lay down scent trails to food, and the others follow them. That's why they march in lines.
FlyingFlying ant day
On warm, humid summer days, winged queens and males pour out of nests in huge swarms.
FarmingAnt farmers
They look after aphids, protecting them and "milking" them for the sugary honeydew they make.
QueenA long-lived queen
A black garden ant queen can live for well over a decade.
StrengthTiny weightlifters
An ant can carry many times its own body weight.
WorkersAll girls
Every worker ant you see is female.
The real thing
Photos of ants
Out and aboutHow to spot them
Look for small mounds of fine soil between paving slabs or in the lawn. On a hot, still day in July or August, watch for the winged ants taking off.
Lend a handHow to help
Leave their nests alone where you can. Ants air the soil, clear up dead insects and are food for birds such as green woodpeckers.
Following youLadybird
Who should follow you?
Bees and hoverflies
Butterflies and moths
Dragonflies and damselflies
Beetles, hoppers and ants
Not insects at all
Snails and spiders aren't insects: a snail is a mollusc, and spiders have eight legs.
Garden birds
Pond animals live on the Pond page: choosing one takes you there.
Pond life
Night garden
Seashore animals live on the Seashore page: choosing one takes you there.
Rock pool life
Woodland animals
Under a log
Meadow life
River animals live on the River page: choosing one takes you there.
River life
