Which substance was associated with the labor of ants in a literary context?

The association of grain with the labor of ants in a literary context often highlights themes such as industriousness, community, and preparation for the future. Ants are frequently depicted as diligent workers who gather and store grain to ensure their survival, especially in preparation for winter. This portrayal underscores a moral or lesson about hard work and foresight, which is common in fables and allegories involving ants, such as in Aesop's fable "The Ant and the Grasshopper."

While wood, leaves, and food can also be relevant to the lives of ants, grain specifically emphasizes the idea of gathering, storing, and teamwork. It serves as a metaphor for the virtues of planning and diligence, making it a significant substance in literary references.