The Antscape
The uniquely high density of anthills in an area of Porton Down has
led to it being known as the ant-scape. Anthills are formed by the Yellow
Meadow Ant lasius flavus. It has been estimated that there are 3 million
anthills containing 35 billion ants on these grasslands.
Anthills can only form in the absence of disturbance by farming operations
and livestock trampling. Rabbit grazing keeps the turf short, favours
the development of low growing herbs such as those pictured and allows
the sun to warm the mounds. In its absence the anthills became shaded,
resulting in temperatures too low for ant brood production and the mounds
are abandoned.
A study of ants at Porton Down published in 2002 states that 20 species
were present including a number of scarce species. The list includes
Lasius brunneus, a Notable A species.
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