[An4ximandros]

Red Ants, Black Ants.

Red ants are known for taking slaves to their nests to maintain them and feed their young. Some species of ants are incapable of even feeding themselves, as a result they rely entirely on their slaves for survival.

If we were to interpret the Shivans as red ants, this could mean they want humans like Laporte to save them from something. Something they cannot fight or destroy.

[Phantom Hoover]

Red ants/black ants is patently referring to the UEF and GTVA.

[QuakeIV]

It could be used as a separate metaphor, however.

[-Norbert-]

So far the Shivans destroyed everything, never taking any slaves, so I doubt that's it.

[FIZ]

They took Aken.

[Mito [PL]]

Aken. Hm.

One of my theories is that mr. Aken atracted enough of their attention to show them there are things that shouldn't be destroyed and still can bring a factor of unpredicted chaos.
Something like "a man finds a talking ant" stuff.