At what times do the "moving ants" appear around a cell?

[sheana]

Why do "moving ants" appear around a cell when you are creating a formula,
and what other times may they appear?

 

[George Gee]

Sheana

Why do "moving ants" appear around a cell when you are creating a formula,

To inform which cell/cells are being referenced by the formula that you're
creating.

and what other times may they appear?

When you have copied a cell or cells.

George Gee