Army ants are nomadic ants of tropical forests that hunt in massive, coordinated raids. Their swarms are one of the most dramatic sights in the rainforest.
Interesting facts
- A single colony can contain several hundred thousand ants.
- Their raids sweep across the forest floor in fronts up to about 20 metres wide.
- Birds called antbirds follow the raids to catch fleeing insects.
- Workers link their bodies to form living bridges over gaps.
- Army ants are almost blind and follow chemical trails.
- Colonies alternate between nomadic phases and stationary phases, when the queen lays eggs.
Behaviour
Army ants raid by day, swarming over the ground and up trees. Every few weeks, the colony moves to a new bivouac site.
Breeding and young
The queen lays huge numbers of eggs in bursts. New colonies form when a colony splits, with a new queen leading part of the workers.
Threats and conservation
Army ants need large areas of forest, so they disappear from small forest fragments.
Where to see it
- Barro Colorado Island, Panama
- La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
- Tambopata, Peru
- Listen for antbirds calling near a raid
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
