Sentier de découverte des Fourmis - Aiguilles

Rosehip or ‘rose haw’ is the fruit of dog roses. Very rich in vitamin (A, C and E), many cultures have used it for its tonic, astringent and protective properties. It can be used to make jams, syrups, infusions, soups or liqueurs. Beware: its bristles are very irritating for the skin and have to be carefully removed.

This pine is known by many names: Scots pine, Nordic Redwood, Scots Fir, Riga Pine, Mongolian Pine, Red Deal or Yellow Deal. It has twisted, twin needles (which grow in pairs) measuring 4cm to 8cm, flexible and non-prickly. The grey bark of young trees becomes orange over the years, it becomes thinner and detaches in parts. Its hardiness makes it resistant to both high temperatures and extreme cold and allows it to grow on poor, dry soils that other species don’t colonize. But its need for sunlight makes it vulnerable when growing next to larger trees.

Rose bedeguar gall is a plant reaction to the intrusion by a parasite. In rose bedeguar gall, an insect, the gall wasp, pierces the plant to lay its eggs. The reaction of the rose hip is to produce the gall. The growth obtained consists of numerous cavities that will house and protect the larvae. Very rich in sugar, starch and protein, the gall will even feed the insects.

Using needles and small branches, red ants build their nest. Often facing southeast to enjoy maximum amount of sunlight, the anthill is built on the edge of a forest or in a clearing. The harsher the climate, the higher anthill will be built. Comprising a number of galleries, the interior is a real city. On top are the defenses. Just below are the foundations (a tree stump) and the guard room. On the other floors, one can find meat and grain storage areas, as well as aphids. Then comes the hibernation room, the larvae and the compost. And finally, deep down (30 to 50cm), the royal chamber and the eggs.

Water, the source of life, is becoming a major issue for our civilization. The mountains are huge reservoirs that must be preserved. In Queyras, our forefathers valued this precious resource and each village has several fountains.