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
Witnesses give harrowing accounts of New Year's horror that erupted due to Swiss ski resort bar fire

Chilling Eyewitness Reports: New Year’s Inferno at Swiss Ski Resort Bar Unveiled

Eyewitnesses are sharing their harrowing experiences following a devastating blaze that engulfed…
Nigerian President Celebrates Trump Strikes on Terrorists in New Year Address

Nigerian President Applauds Strategic Anti-Terror Actions in New Year Message

In his New Year’s Day message to the nation, Nigerian President Bola…
The IRS just increased the standard mileage rate for employees. Here's how it could save you money

IRS Boosts Standard Mileage Rate: Discover How This Change Can Save You Money on Business Travel

If you use your vehicle for work, there’s good news: your reimbursement…
Rangers beat Panthers 5-1 in first outdoor hockey game in Miami, Mika Zibanejad has hat trick

Rangers Dominate Panthers 5-1 in Historic Outdoor Miami Hockey Match; Zibanejad Achieves Hat Trick

MIAMI (AP) — Mika Zibanejad had an unforgettable day. Within mere hours,…
California defies deadline on immigrant trucker licenses as feds threaten funding cuts

California Stands Firm on Immigrant Trucker Licenses Amid Federal Funding Cut Threats

California has decided to postpone its plan to revoke the commercial driver’s…
Judge orders accused Jan 6 pipe bomber to remain in custody pending trial

Judge Rules: January 6 Pipe Bomber to Stay Behind Bars Until Trial

A federal judge has ruled that the individual accused of placing pipe…
Protests spread across Iran as regime threatens US forces as 'legitimate targets' after Trump warning

Iranian Protests Escalate Amid Tensions with US Forces Following Trump’s Warning

As protests continued to escalate across Iran on Friday, the country’s hardline…
What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds

Key Insights on the Trump Administration’s Halt on Federal Child Care Funding

The Trump administration has put a temporary halt on child care funding…
Teens' viral prank targeting homeowners could have deadly consequences, police warn

Police Alert: Viral Teen Prank Poses Serious Risks for Homeowners

Kansas officials are raising alarms about a perilous TikTok trend that is…
Chicago fire: Teen girl critically injured in Southwest Side house fire at West 71st Street, South Hoyne Avenue, CFD officials say

Tragic Southwest Side Blaze Leaves Teen Girl in Critical Condition, Report Chicago Fire Officials

A teenage girl is in critical condition at Comer Children’s Hospital after…
Chicago battling safety problem perception despite preliminary police data showing 2025 had fewest homicides in 60 years

Chicago Defies Perception: 2025 Marks Historic Low in Homicide Rates Despite Safety Concerns

Chicago proudly concluded 2025 with a historic milestone, recording the fewest homicides…
Runner fought off mountain lion with stick just weeks before fatal attack on same Colorado trail

Heroic Runner Defends Against Mountain Lion with Stick Weeks Before Tragic Fatal Attack on Colorado Trail

In a chilling precursor to a fatal incident, a man narrowly escaped…