Well, all your arguments can be summarized in "projection of human behavior" onto those ants and pupae.

Okay, let's go down this rabbit hole.

Do you really think anyone would express her/himself by avoiding this "projectionism"? I don't think it is even possible. You see this projection in every aspect of our life.

"Time/Computer/etc. is running" "The train is coming" "The wind is blowing" "The storm is raging" "The city never sleeps" "The phone died" "Time flies" "The night wrapped its arms"

And many, many more. You find those projections everywhere. And you know why? Yes, exactly! They help you understand the situation better. So what's wrong with using then here too?