 N. ensifer is a <unk> species that can thrive in dry climates . In Colima , colonies are frequent among the basins , but rarely are they found in the mountainous regions . N. ensifer ants prefer to nest in the sand and under large stones , as certain areas in Manzanillo had no stones buried in the soil and no colonies were found alongside hills with plain soil . Most colonies are found under stones with no noticeable craters surrounding the nest entrance , although one colony was found under an Acacia plant . These nest holes are usually 1 in ( 2 @.@ 5 cm ) in diameter . A single path connects the entrance to the main nest site , followed by a passage that descends straight into the dirt several inches deep . This passage widens under a stone which forms a gallery for the larvae and pupae . Wherever stones are formed , passageways may descend further into the ground and form more chambers . Although it is unknown how deep these passages go , excavated nests are as deep as 15 in ( 38 cm ) . 
