Page 151 - For Men of Understanding

Firstly, ants disperse over the
tree on which they plan to settle
(see left). After determining the
location where they will build a
nest, they immediately set to
work. They fold the leaves they
will use from the sides. In order
to bring the leaves together,
they make suspension bridges
by clamping them together (see
right and below). The ant at the
head of the chain holds the leaf
at its tip and passes it to the
second ant clamping on it. This
transfer process goes on until
the leaf tip reaches the last ant
and the two leaves lap over one
another.

CAN A LARVA MAKE A SEWING MACHINE?
While a few ants hold the tips of leaves with their feet
and mouths, the others bring half-developed larvae from
the brooding nest.
The larvae, with their saliva, function as a shuttle. When
the adult ants suppress the larvae on the leave tips, the
secretory glands of the larvae, which produce thread,
start to work. The ants bring the larvae back and forth
like needles until the leaves are attached to each other
tightly. (see below)

The Signs in Living Things 149