The Marabunta: A fascinating and feared phenomenon of nature

The word “marabunta” conjures up striking images of thousands of ants moving en masse, a phenomenon that has captured the human imagination for centuries. Beyond legends, these mass migrations are a natural spectacle that combines extreme coordination, unique biological adaptations and a significant impact on ecosystems.

What is Marabunta?

The marabunta is a phenomenon carried out by certain species of nomadic or warrior ants, mainly from the subfamilies Dorylinae and Ecitoninae. These ants, present in tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia, form temporary migratory swarms in search of food. During this process, they destroy insects, small animals, and any food source in their path.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the marabunta does not intentionally attack humans, but its incredible capacity for devastation has inspired stories of terror and fascination, both in popular culture and science.

Characteristics of Army Ants

The ants involved in the marabunta have several adaptations that make them unique:

1. Hierarchical Organization
   Each colony is led by a queen and made up of millions of workers, soldiers and offspring. The workers coordinate the search for food, while the soldiers defend the colony.
2. Chemical Communication
   They use pheromones to coordinate their movements, allowing millions of individuals to act as a “superorganism.”
3. Aggressiveness and Efficiency
   Army ants have powerful jaws and aggressive behavior. Once they locate prey, they work together to quickly dismember it and transport it to the nest.
4. Temporary Nests
   During their migrations, they form bivouacs (temporary nests) using their own bodies. This allows them to quickly adapt to different environments.

The Marabunta Cycle

The behavior of the marabunta is closely linked to its life cycle. The colonies alternate between stationary phases and nomadic phases:

• Stationary Phase: The queen remains in one place to lay eggs, while the workers forage for food in the surrounding area.
• Nomadic Phase: Once the larvae hatch, the colony migrates in search of resources, forming the characteristic mobile columns of the marabunta.

Ecological Impact

Although the marabunta may seem destructive, it plays a crucial role in ecosystems:

• Pest Control: Their diet includes harmful insects and arthropods, helping to maintain ecological balance.
• Nutrient Recycling: By decomposing organic remains, they facilitate the redistribution of nutrients in the soil.
• Natural Selection: They act as predators, eliminating the weakest individuals from prey populations.

Myths and Realities

Throughout history, the marabunta has been a source of myths. From stories about ants devouring entire villages to movies that exaggerate their danger, many of these stories are fictional. While their presence can be intimidating, these migrations rarely pose any real danger to humans as long as they are not provoked.