Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of information, but a tough, fragmented, read, December 26, 2004
Some scientists can write for other scientists and still produce a book laymen will enjoy. E.O. Wilson is a shining example. Unfortunately, Dr. Gotwald doesn't live up to Wilson's standard.
This book is written for other scientists. It never gives a clear view of the big picture for any of the numerous species of Army Ants discussed. Instead, it covers topics like "behavior" or "parasites" for all the numerous species of ants discussed. Ants are always referred to by their scientific names, and I found myself befuddled trying to keep track of which genus of ants was which, or even which genus lived where. Nowhere in the book is there a clear picture of "Species A behaves like this, it lives here, it makes a living by doing X, it's most common food items are Z, it is most commonly predated or parasitized by "B, D, and D, and the routine cycle of their existence is ______".
As an example, early on in the book, I learned that a great many army ants make their living by traveling and living underground, and preying primarily on other ant species' larva. This was mentioned very early in the book, yet after completing the book, I'm not sure which ants these are, where they live, or (most importantly) how do they find and attack other ant nests. The closest thing to a description of this activity described another ant species attacking a termite nest.
I'd rate it a "2", except that there just isn't any competition for a modern adult book on these ants. You will learn a lot from the book, you'll just have (if your experience is like mine) a tough time putting the pieces together.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
STARSHIP TROOPERS, May 3, 2006
This book brings to mind the great kickass movie, Starship Troopers. Instead of humans, army ants kick ass with worms, arthropods and other insects but in an equally violent fashion. Falling rain is the sound the author likens to terrorized prey fleeing army ant swarms.
I wanted to learn more about army ants after a recent birdwatching trip to Honduras where a cabin at my lodge was the site of one kick ass battle between two species of ants, probably one being army ants. The guests, who had to vacate, described the walls and ceilings as covered with ants locked in battle and falling to the floor entangled.
Also as a birder, I was aware of the numerous and confusing species of antbirds, antwrens, and antshrikes that follow army ant swarms.
This book was just full of juicy facts. Like their bivouacs at night where they just all clump up in one big mass. I especially liked all the early interest of 19th century naturalists including missionaries. Naturally with such a dominant species, lots of animals join their entourage other than birds. Particularly interesting are the interlopers who give out calming secretions, beetles that have morphed to look like ants, grooming beetles, and a small wasp with a handle on its thorax for easy carrying by army ants.
Plus the author is a good writer. The technical jargon was a little cumbersome but easily figured out or unimportant to the main message. This book achieved its goal of illuminating me about army ants in an entertaining fashion.
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