Beneath our feet, on the seemingly ordinary ground, lies a mysterious and vibrant microscopic kingdom, with ants being one of the protagonists in this realm. When we pick up the tools for macro photography, it’s as if we’ve opened a door leading to the wonderful daily lives of ants.
In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight stream down, a busy new day begins for the ants. Through the macro lens, we can see the ants poking their heads out of the nest entrance, their slender antennae swaying gently, as if receiving signals from nature. These antennae are their “radars”, guiding them in their exploration of the world. Every tiny movement is clearly captured by macro photography, from the slight tremor of the antennae to the bending of their leg joints, presenting a unique mechanical beauty.
As the sun rises higher, the ants embark on their foraging journey. They follow the established routes, shuttling between the grass and the soil. Under the macro lens, the ants look like a well-trained army, marching in neat and determined steps. They carry food scraps several times larger than their own bodies, and their strenuous postures are astonishing. Some ants clamp onto the food tightly with their mandibles, their tiny bodies bearing a huge weight yet still moving forward tenaciously. The scene at this moment is full of tension, and macro photography allows us to see the taut muscles of the ants and their indomitable perseverance for survival.
In the ant society, there is a clear division of labor. There are worker ants responsible for finding food and soldier ants guarding the nest. The macro lens can capture the imposing postures of the soldier ants. They stand around the nest, always on high alert. Their heads are larger, and their mandibles are more powerful, as if they were miniature fortresses. When there is an intruder, the soldier ants will rush forward without hesitation to engage in a fierce battle. The scene of the fight under the macro lens is like an exciting action blockbuster, with the ants entangling with each other, and their limb movements magnified, each moment full of strength and courage.
In the afternoon, perhaps it’s the ants’ leisure time. They gather around the nest, communicating with each other. They touch each other with their antennae, transmitting information. In macro photography, we seem to be able to sense the emotional bond between them, a warmth that belongs to the group. Some ants are grooming their companions, and this subtle action reflects their care for each other.
When night falls, the ants gradually return to the nest. They queue up in an orderly manner at the nest entrance to enter, just like humans going home from work. Under the macro lens, we can see the intricate structure inside the nest, with the ants shuttling through it and returning to their respective “rooms” to rest. The whole process is quiet and peaceful, as if it were a lullaby for this microscopic world.
Macro photography enables us to peek into the bits and pieces of the ants’ daily lives. It not only records the behaviors of these tiny creatures but also makes us feel the tenacity and greatness of life. In this seemingly insignificant world, each ant is striving for survival and the continuation of the group, and their stories become a thrilling dance of life under the macro lens. These photos remind us that no matter how small a life is, it has its own splendor and is worthy of our respect and awe.