A fascinating colony of Leaf-Cutter ants is creating excitement at Stratford Butterfly Farm, where keepers have constructed an innovative aerial highway allowing visitors to witness these remarkable insects in action. The display, opening for February half-term, showcases one of nature’s most impressive feats of engineering and organization.
The ants, which can form colonies of up to ten million workers under a single queen, will traverse a specially designed 25-meter rope system carrying pieces of leaf many times their own body weight. “These incredible insects give visitors a glimpse into one of nature’s most complex societies,” explains Jane Kendrick, the farm’s Marketing Manager.
The Atta Cephalotes colony joins another new arrival at the historic butterfly house – the deceptively beautiful Orchid Mantis. This master of camouflage, native to Southeast Asian rainforests, looks exactly like its namesake flower, using its disguise to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Families visiting during half-term (February 15-23) can enjoy daily Mini-Beast handling sessions and butterfly life-cycle demonstrations at 11am. The facility, housed in climate-controlled glasshouses, offers an escape to a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic creatures.
The farm suggests making a day of it, with facilities including a gift shop stocking nature-inspired Fairtrade items and refreshments. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, the attraction provides a unique opportunity to witness some of nature’s most fascinating creatures up close, from industrious ants to spectacular butterflies.
The installation represents the latest development at one of Britain’s most unique attractions, continuing its tradition of bringing exotic wildlife experiences to the heart of Shakespeare’s county.
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