The Bug Wars by Robert Asprin

“Physically, they are a bit larger than the Leapers, often reaching five meters in length. Even though it might be suspected they have poor eyesight from their underground existence, they seem to forage on the surface both day and night. Their primary natural weapon is a set of powerful mandibles, and they are reputed to be strong, vicious, and tenacious fighters.”

“You mentioned a civilization,” I inserted. “What is known about that?”

“What little is known is unconfirmed. It is not unlike our own, having both Hunter and Constructor castes. The main difference would seem to be that they also have a Reproducer caste. However, this is all information from the First Ones.”

“What are their vulnerabilities, physically?”

“Unknown, Zur; from their appearance we would postulate a similar physiology to the Wasps. But that is, at best, a guess.”

“How fast do they dig their tunnels?” asked Horc.

“Unknown.”

“How many Ants in a nest?” asked Zur.

“Unknown. It is believed to be in the thousands.”

“Is the anthill we viewed a new nest, or a new outlet for an old colony?”

“Unknown, Commander.”

There was a long moment of silence.

“If there are no further questions…” I began.

“There is one more bit of information which could be important to our planning, Commander.”

“Proceed, Tzu.”

“They possess some method of passing information among themselves. Whether this is done by direct contact, by telepathy, or even genetically is unknown. This characteristic of the Ants defied even the First Ones’ attempts to explain.”