In Cox’s Bazar, these ants are known as “Lal Pipra” (red ants). With the changing seasons, they are busy building new nests, demonstrating a fascinating example of teamwork in nature.
Social organization is not exclusive to humans—many vertebrates exhibit structured behaviour, but ants are among the finest examples of collective living. They reside in colonies or ant hills, intricately structured with multiple tunnels and chambers. These ant dwellings can house dozens to thousands of ants.
Worker ants construct their nests using soil, twigs, and debris. They reinforce the structures with plant fibers to prevent collapse. The inner tunnels and chambers are carefully designed for smooth movement. Some anthills can grow up to 3–4 feet in height and width, showcasing remarkable engineering skills.
Ants’ ability to collaborate and build sustainable habitats reflects their well-organized and disciplined nature, making them a unique species in the animal kingdom.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photos: Polash Shikdar
