Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Army Ants and Other Nomads

Several lineages of ants in the warmer regions of the world have evolved a lifestyle of nomadic predation.

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Guard ants from an Azteca colony defend their nest from an army ant raid by pinning down one of the invaders (Eciton hamatum).

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Eciton burchellii media workers stream towards the raid front.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

An Eciton burchellii army ant worker plugs a pothole. Note how her nestmates use her as a stepping stone.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador

Inside the dark confines of a statary bivouac, worker Eciton burchellii army ants carry larvae.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador

Eciton burchellii army ant bivouac.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador

Eciton burchellii workers pull a termite from a rotting log.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

An Eciton burchellii submajor dismantles an unforunate Pseudomyrmex worker.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador

Eciton burchellii set up bivouacs by linking their bodies together. Here, one worker serves as an anchor for several others.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador

Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4811x3276 |

Current: 800x545 |

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Keywords: ecitoninae army ants social insects worker polymorphism

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Army Ants and Other Nomads

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