Animals too reach for umbrellas in rainstorm

When it rains in Hong Kong, some shoppers scurry for cover with newspapers over the heads and a sea of umbrellas appears.

Others try to shelter under plastic bags.

But what do animals do when the heavens open? Large animals like elephants, cattle and horses just stand patiently unless it is a really violent storm.

But imagine how heavy a raindrop would feel if you were an ant! They and other small creatures stay in their nests if it rains, or take whatever shelter they can find.

There are some ants which live on the North American prairies which cling together in a ball when it floods.

The ball rolls over and over in the water, so each ant gets a turn to breathe. Few drown.