Ants observed trampling turf

Some type of worker (non-fire) ants are in the process of picking up a full mound and moving it 50 feet across a putting green at Little River Farm Resort in Carthage, N.C. This was done overnight and the grass has not been eaten but instead trampled (right).

The ants appeared to be moving larvae. Each ant would not make the entire trip but would instead travel approximately five feet and relay the larvae at much smaller mounds along the way. 

Two different golf course superintendents, and two golf professionals with more than 100 years experience total observed this phenomenon for the first time ever Sept. 27 at Little River Farm Resort in Carthage, N.C.

Assistant superintendent Cara Ritenour (left) of Little River Farm Resort examines worker ants at daybreak as they relay larvae over a 50-foot trans-putting green highway.