On a scientific expedition in the Arizona desert, an intense biologist, E.D. Hubbs and his cynical assistant, mathematician James Lesko discover a town that has been deserted after an attack by an army of highly evolved ants. Only one family of remains, but as Hubbs and Lesko set up their research station and begin their experiments, the ants react with hostility, launching an assault on the isolated farmers and the scientists. Faced with an enemy that they struggle to comprehend and cannot stop, Hubbs becomes increasingly obsessed with carrying out their mission whilst Lesko starts to fear for their safety and the prospects of humanity against such a force.