African Army Ant and Driver Ants - Issue #00012 - November 12, 2010

Africa Army Ant and Driver Ants November 13, 2010 - Issue #00012   When visiting Africa, the main focus of our attention is often the bigger animals however we should also be very mindful of the insects below us; particularly army ants or driver ants, as they are more commonly known in Africa. Army ants can march 20 meters (65 feet) in an hour in columns up to 20 meters (65 feet) wide swarming and devouring almost everything in their path. Army ants can kill and eat up to 100,000 animals in a day, mostly other insects including other ants. However army ants can also kill larger animals such as lizards, snakes, cooped chickens, and other small mammals.  African driver ants have even devoured tethered cows. A few unlucky humans have died the same way, but these cases are rare, usually involving unconscious or inebriated individuals. Observers have witnessed herds of panicked elephants flee from columns of driver ants. Several species of birds actually accompany army ants catching and eating any insects that are flushed out by the ants.   In areas where army ants are prevalent, tuck your long pants inside your socks if you are wearing them. If you see a column of army ants, get out of the way. African tribes have found out that, if you soak the leading columns with kerosene/petrol and set fire to them, it diverts the ants away. View full newsletter Click Here Do you want to receive a weekly full edition of our newsletter: Click Here      LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS 1-888-50AFRICA 1-888-502-3742 8AM-8PM EST Lion Dog African Safaris provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing. Visit our website for details on planning your dream African Safari www.liondogafricansafaris.com Call us for a free Africa Safari consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA