Ants in the daffodils

We have what appears to be an ants' nest growing in the new daffodil bed. An ants' nest which resists the attentions of my telephone. If you try to snap it when the sun is out and behind you, you can't see what you are doing and the result is overexposed. If you try to snap it when the sun is in, you get the sort of washed out image I offer left. All most unsatisfactory.

For the moment I am not inclined to do anything about it, being interested to see how far the nest spreads. Presently about a foot wide, maybe a third of a square foot in extent and maybe two inches above ground level at its highest point.

Google suggests that ants are more likely to be into eating small animals, particularly other small invertebrates, seeds and nectar. No mention of roots, but I would not have thought a large underground nest did the roots on the spot much good. The ants might well harvest them for nest construction or for litter, even if they do not actually eat them. So I expect the ants to do a fair amount of damage to the plants in their immediate vicinity. Bulbs presumably come with various anti-bacterial and anti-grazial chemicals, intended to get them through the dormant season, maybe alkaloids of some sort, but maybe ants can cut through these defenses.

The odd thing is that while there is usually evidence of activity in the morning, with new earth thrown up onto the surface and with the appearance of various small exit holes, I never see any ants. Perhaps the birds are up early and eat the morning shift while I am eating my breakfast.

Watch this space.