Ants are eusocial insects of the family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cretaceous period. More than 13,800 of an estimated total of 22,000 species have been classified. They are easily identified by their geniculate (elbowed) antennae and the distinctive node-like structure that forms their slender waists.
Ants form colonies that range in size from a few dozen individuals often living in small natural cavities to highly organised colonies that may occupy large territories with sizeable nest that consist of millions of individuals or into the hundreds of millions in super colonies. Typical colonies consist of various castes of sterile, wingless females, most of which are workers (ergates), as well as soldiers (dinergates) and other specialised groups. Nearly all ant colonies also have some fertile males called "drones" and one or more fertile females called "queens" (gynes). The colonies are described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.
Ants have colonised almost every landmass on Earth. The only places lacking indigenous ants are Antarctica and a few remote or inhospitable islands. Ants thrive in moist tropical ecosystems and may exceed the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals. Their success in so many environments has been attributed to their social organisation and their ability to modify habitats, tap resources, and defend themselves. Their long co-evolution with other species has led to mimetic, commensal, parasitic, and mutualistic relationships.
Ant societies have division of labour, communication between individuals, and an ability to solve complex problems. These parallels with human societies have long been an inspiration and subject of study. Many human cultures make use of ants in cuisine, medication, and rites. Some species are valued in their role as biological pest control agents. Their ability to exploit resources may bring ants into conflict with humans, however, as they can damage crops and invade buildings. Some species, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) of South America, are regarded as invasive species in other parts of the world, establishing themselves in areas where they have been introduced accidentally.
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Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages
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How 16th Century Trade Made Fire Ants an Early Global Invader
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Continuing my Batman movie marathon, i rewatched The Dark Knight Rises for the first time since I saw it in the theater as a kid. Even as a kid in a Fox News household (in fact, probably because of that) I saw Bane's plan as commentary on Occupy. Even funnier watching it now - it really is every conservative circa 2012's nightmare scenario, followed by their fantasy of an epic cop army fighting back.
That said it's a decently entertaining movie. I never actually watched its two predecessors until now. Begins is sort of underrated. TDK is TDK. I like Bale as Bruce Wayne because he's basically Patrick Bateman.
Might do an effort post or something when I'm done with them all. Skipping BvS though because fuck that.
one of our "bateman" emotes is Bruce Wayne lol
Agree begins is underrated, curious what you think of The Batman
I'm debating rewatching it. I'm lowkey trying to avoid it because of petty personal reasons (saw it in the theater with someone I'm not on speaking terms with anymore lmao). But I'll probably give it a shot again. I remember i liked elements of it but found the pacing dragged a bit.
the production design is really cool in The Batman but yeah its slooooow
Yeah I like that it's a bit more of a street-level detective take on Bats. It does feel very of the times though in terms of plot - Batman has to protect mayor AOC from an army of Qanon incels.
Did you watch the 1940s movies?
Nah I started with the '89 one. I'll probably go back and watch them though, along with the '66 movie (which I have seen but it's been years).
66 movie is peak batman. Batman v superman is almost as funny tho