Musings in the Dark

Allegheny Ant Mound

Pictured is an anthill made by the Allegheny Mound Ant. I've shared photos of these mounds before, although this may be the first "shot in the dark" of said anthills, so to speak.

I took this photo in the woods last night (my hounds Blaze and Tony were nearby) because I recalled a story my father once told me.

Many years ago, a gentleman Dad knew worried these ants would expand their territory and take over the world one day (soon).

Now, I've known this hollow where these mounds reside for close to (if not slightly over) 50 years. Reaching back to preteen memories, I'd estimate these ants have extended their territory by a hundred yards in total since my youth.

Standing beneath a full moon in that dark forest, my mind began to wander, which happens quite a bit. (Always has.)
Upon examination, I'm not sure why these ants haven't outgrown this small forest.

It could be quite simply that these ants aren't inclined toward world domination. (Regarding plans for world dominance as far as red squirrels are concerned: All bets are off.)

Or maybe, these ants did begin to explore, saw what lay beyond their beautiful, oak-and-hickory hollow, and opted out of any future expansion. Can't fault them there.

But I'd like to think that maybe they're simply satisfied with what they have and seek nothing more, which wouldn't be a such a bad thing.

Hard sayin' one way or another.

Lessons from an anthill.

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