Army Ant

A nomadic army of up to 500,000 ants advancing in swarms up to 30 meters wide, devouring everything in their path. Their march through the jungle is followed by dozens of birds feeding on fleeing insects.

Eciton burchellii, the army ant or marabunta, is one of the most studied ant species in tropical forests, especially on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. Its nomadic colonies alternate between stationary phases (about 20 days, when the queen lays eggs) and nomadic phases (15 days, when the colony moves daily). During raids, they form fan-shaped swarms up to 30 meters wide that sweep the forest floor, capturing any arthropod they encounter. Over 300 animal species—birds, butterflies, beetles, and mites—are associated with or follow these ants, making them a keystone species of the ecosystem.

Habitat

Lowland wet tropical forests, especially in the Canal Watershed