Model of co-working

These ants are known as Matabele ants and are often seen marching like this in search of food. They live in colonies, are highly organised and a model of cooperative working that we humans could learn a lot from! Larger soldier ants provide protection for smaller worker ants when they march. They organise themselves into armies when attacking termite nests. It is also thought that they not only rescue and carry their wounded home but they also go to great lengths to nurse them back to health, holding hurt limbs in place with their mandibles and front legs and licking the wounds for a few minutes. This is thought to help prevent infections and help heal the wounded ants.