Interrupted by bull ants

After Wendy returned to Adelaide in July 1956 our theoretical love affair became practical, hands-on, and much more fun. We did much of our courting in the picturesque Adelaide Hills.  One day, when driving in these hills we were overcome as usual by amorousness. We carried our rug to a grassy slope out of sight of the road, where we settled down to express our affection for each other in our customary way.

Before either of us had really warmed to the business at hand, Wendy suddenly screamed and leapt up, tearing frantically at her clothing. 

In our careless haste we had spread our rug on a bull-ants’ nest.  Bull-ants are fierce, fire-red creatures a centimeter or so long, equipped with sharp pincers where lesser creatures have a proboscis.

They were displeased to have their nest and its approaches obscured by our rug, and let us know about their displeasure in the only way they could.  Wendy sustained several savage bites that, she later told me, raised angry welts on parts of her body I was not yet permitted to see.

We retreated in disarray and confusion.

After that unhappy experience we always inspected the site carefully before spreading our rug – or courted in the cramped  but ant-free safety zone inside my little car. 

A bull ant ready for action

Here's a link to a You-Tube movie that gives a good idea of what these beasties are like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDRFTcNW0go