Start black 70-denier thread on the Nymphmaster 1023BL above the hook point and wrap rearward toward the bend.
Tie in a strip of Black loco foam at the rear with the iridescent side up. Wrap forward to the front of the body section, then wrap back over the foam to bind it down to the rear.
Tie in a strand of black ostrich hurl at the rear and take the thread up near the eye, out of the way. Wind the ostrich forward, using hackle pliers for grip and the rotary function if you have it, then secure it and trim. Tease out any fibers trapped under the wraps with a dubbing brush.
Pull the foam forward, fairly snug but not stretched hard, and tie it down at the front of the ostrich underbody with a few wraps forward. Leave a gap between the abdomen and the head, as a real ant has. Cut the foam off.
Tie in two dark dun hackle tips as wings, extending just past the end of the body. Flat on the body or standing up, either is fine.
Tie in a second piece of black loco foam at the same point, pearlescent side up.
Cut a small bunch of black elk hair for legs. No need to stack or level it. Lay it on top of the shank, bind it down and trim the butts. Separate the hair so half lies on each side.
Bring the foam forward over the head, keeping the elk hair stroked back and out of the head, and tie it off. Whip finish and remove the thread.
Push the scissors right down to the tie-off, stretch the foam and cut it. It does not have to look pretty.
Work the elk hair legs forward, then push them forward from behind with one hand and scrunch them back with the other so the hairs kink; that bend reads as leg joints in the water.