Ask HN: Questions on Swarm Intelligence

Dear HN community,

I'm dead certain I want to write some software that uses swarm intelligence yet I feel like I don't know enough to start. I'm hoping that there are some kind domain experts who can help guide me and shed light on things.

Q1: Are there any free educational resources or courses on Swarm Intelligence?

So far I've searched the web and can't seem to find anything.

Q2: What books are essential reading for a beginner?

From Amazon reviews I have identified two books I'm considering starting with:

a) Swarm Intelligence: From Natural to Artificial Systems by Eric Bonabeau, Marco Dorigo and Guy Theraulaz, and

b) Swarm Intelligence by Russell C. Eberhart.

Q3: What languages should I consider and why?

At the moment I'm leaning toward LISP.

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.