Thousands of fire ants are forming rafts out of their own bodies
Share this @internewscast.com

This army is in formation.

Thousands of fire ants have been observed drifting on floodwaters throughout the Texas city, creating rafts with their bodies, and local residents are now noticing this unusual behavior.

KXAN Austin posted a video on X showing a clip filmed by Austinite David Todd, featuring the ants huddled together in a large mass in the waters of Lake Travis.

X users weighed in on the scary sight.

“A floating ball of pure hate,” one observed.

“I’ve experienced them more than just seeing them. I’ve encountered them at night while wading to the ramp on my dock when the lake level rises quickly,” someone else commented. “It’s unpleasant.”

“Bring out the torch,” someone else suggested.


Fire ants forming a raft on floodwater in Texas
Fire ants are forming rafts out of their own bodies in Texas floodwaters. KXAN

The pesky bugs, which can cause painful stings, are rife in Texas. But when their underground nests flood, they sink their teeth into each other, interlock their limbs and create rafts to stay alive.

“It’s called a self-organizing or self-assembling process. And it’s something only social insects do,” Ed LeBrun, a research scientist at the University of Texas’ Brackenridge Field Lab, told the outlet.

“There are a lot of other structures that ants make in a similar way. For example, army ants will make bridges across rivers.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Lefties slammed for celebrating Assata Shakur, activist who executed NJ state trooper

Backlash as Left Celebrates Assata Shakur, Activist Convicted in NJ State Trooper’s Death

The Chicago Teachers Union is encountering criticism after they honored Assata Shakur—a…
'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening reveals the "amazing thing" about having a Simpson-ified room in his house

Matt Groening Unveils the Magic of Owning a Simpson-Themed Room at Home

SAN DIEGO — Not only is Matt Groening the creator of “The…
Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv kills 4 and wounds at least 10, as other regions hit too

Russian Drone and Missile Strikes on Kyiv Leave 4 Dead and 10 Injured; Other Regions Also Targeted

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched an overnight assault of drones and missiles…
Mormon church shooting: Multiple people shot at Mormon church in Michigan and the shooter is down, Grand Blanc police say

Shooting Incident at Mormon Church in Michigan: Several Injured, Suspect Neutralized, Reports Grand Blanc Police

GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Multiple people have been shot at a Mormon…
Chicago Bears game today: RT Darnell Wright, DT Grady Jarrett ruled out for Las Vegas Raiders-Bears game

Chicago Bears vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Darnell Wright and Grady Jarrett Unavailable for Today’s Game

The Chicago Bears will be missing key starters on both the offensive…
Elon Musk wades back into UK politics, backs leader of new right-wing party, mocks rival

Elon Musk Reengages with UK Politics, Supports New Right-Wing Party Leader, and Mocks Opponent

Elon Musk has re-entered the British political scene, this time showing support…
Senate showdown: Schumer and Thune brace for funding deadline

Senate Clash: Schumer and Thune Prepare for Approaching Funding Deadline

If a funding bill isn’t passed, the government will run out of…
A list of notable shooting attacks on houses of worship in the US in the past 20 years

Significant Shooting Incidents at U.S. Places of Worship Over the Past 20 Years

A gunman opened fire inside a church in Michigan during Sunday services,…
Killer mom Susan Smith 'needs to remain incarcerated' says prosecutor who originally put her away

Prosecutor Who Originally Convicted Susan Smith Insists She ‘Must Stay in Prison’

<!–> Susan Smith prison call Aug. 13 Susan Smith can be heard…
Our Chicago: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Our Chicago: Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness in October

CHICAGO (WLS) — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the…
Man shot at Que Padre in Jacksonville

Shooting Incident at Que Padre in Jacksonville

A Jacksonville restaurant shooting left one man hurt but stable, with the…
Trump's comments on autism evoke anger and hope among autistic people and their families

Reactions to Trump’s Remarks on Autism: Anger and Hope Within the Autistic Community and Their Families

An Indiana mother with an autistic son has expressed concern over President…