Renowned natural historian David Attenborough brings his signature contagious enthusiasm to “Attenborough and the Ant Empire,” an hour-long expedition into the clandestine lives of these unjustly disregarded creatures.
Contrary to popular belief, these minuscule insects exhibit remarkable complexity and diversity. The documentary establishes this from the outset as it follows a colony of army ants enduring a harsh winter. Nestled deep within their abodes, they activate an internal heating system by huddling together. Utilizing infrared cameras, the filmmakers offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the colony, showcasing seamless collaboration during an extensive reproductive process. With the waning of the snowy season, they briefly emerge, employing their bodies as solar panels to harness sunlight for safeguarding their unhatched offspring.
Their story unveils a tapestry of cooperation and resilience, enabling their survival amid perpetual adversities. A particularly gripping sequence in the film captures rival colonies appearing during the spring months, engaging in fierce territorial disputes. The battleground witnesses ruthless warfare involving maiming, biting, and the use of dissolving acids. The victorious faction concludes the battle by mercilessly feasting on their fallen adversaries.
The documentary further delves into the inner workings of other ant species, revealing intriguing juxtapositions. With thousands of known species, each possesses unique characteristics. Some are inhabited by warriors, while others exhibit more passive and solitary behaviors.
The filmmakers provide an insight into the operational mechanisms of these insect subjects. We witness their hunting techniques, resilience against seasonal infections, resource manipulation for sustenance, and their collective efforts to fend off even the most venomous predators encroaching upon their habitats.
As is customary in Attenborough’s work, viewers will marvel at the documentary’s meticulous attention to detail, a product of painstaking efforts and time. The cinematography immerses us intimately in the lives of ants, capturing their often-hidden and personal behaviors. For nature enthusiasts, “Attenborough and the Ant Empire” offers an unmissable gateway into the clandestine universe unfolding right beneath our feet.
Directed by: Joe Loncraine, Martin Dohrn
