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hibernation-risks
Hibernation is portrayed as a risky state for ants, with some failing to survive the winter due to a near non-existent heartbeat.
1 chapter across 1 book
Empire of the Ants (1999)Bernard Werber
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The chapter details the russet ant colony's risky awakening from hibernation and their subsequent long-distance expedition into unknown territory, where they face natural dangers including carnivorous plants and the loss of a scout. Parallel to this, the narrative explores human characters and introduces Edmond Wells's biological philosophy, emphasizing understanding life through cellular study. The ants' society is portrayed as highly organized and expansionist, valuing specialization, pheromone communication, and slow but steady territorial growth.