Leaf Cutting Ant Forum

Does anyone know why the Atta's occasionally stand on their hind legs, I thought it might be temperature but no! I've witnessed it a lot lately.

The closest to this behaviour is when Attas are testing (smelling) the air. This may be guarding behaviour, threat, or just locating pheromone trails. Not sure really. Not seen this in any colonies I have had.

I took it they could sense disturbance, seen a lone one do it on occasion and it would catch my eye. Sure I have a good pic of an acromyrmex doing it.