After an expedition was promptly organized to locate the Cape Arid colony of ants, searchers faced disappointment as no trace of the colony could be found. Despite exhaustive efforts over many years, subsequent searches yielded no results, leaving the colony shrouded in mystery.

Years later, the prospect of American scientists utilizing advanced technology for a search prompted Australian government scientists in Canberra to undertake one last attempt to find the elusive ants. This led to a convoy of scientists setting off across the country, hoping to uncover the secrets surrounding the Cape Arid colony before the American team arrived.