Thousands of ants form rare ‘raft’ in Florida

Rainfall on the University of Florida campus has led to thousands of fire ants partaking in a rare phenomenon.

A video tweeted out by the university’s entomology department shows the fire ants creating an ant raft at UF’s Natural Area Teaching Laboratory.

An ant raft is a mechanism used by ants to avoid drowning in floods, according to Live Science. The large grouping of linked ants, which takes a little under two minutes to form, creates a water-repellent grouping that allows the entire group to float above floodwaters, according to Live Science.

Though likely impossible to quantify, the video posted on Twitter shows a massive gathering on ants floating above water.

About the Author

Ryan DiPentima, Palm Beach Post

Illustration for AJC honors Hank Aaron back in the glittering lights

‘Digital is real time, print is lifetime’: Farewells to the paper AJC

From the sound of the presses to framing special front pages, those who helped build the AJC share their memories.

PSC won’t delay key Georgia Power vote after Democrats’ election wins

The Georgia Public Service Commission has rejected a bid to delay a key vote on whether to allow Georgia Power to execute a historic expansion of its generation fleet.

The Latest

Credit: Abbey Cutrer/AJC

A.M. ATL: Boarded up

A.M. ATL: School work

‘Digital is real time, print is lifetime’: Farewells to the paper AJC

Featured

Credit: Rodney Ho/AJC

Donor leaves WABE $3 million, largest individual gift in station’s history

An Atlanta resident has bequeathed WABE a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

Braves’ original ‘Freeze’ is retired. But you probably still can’t catch him.

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to find their next sprinting mascot, Nigel Talton is enjoying his new career coaching high school athletes at McEachern High.