An Ant-Decapitating Fly (Phoridae, Pseudacteon sp.) attempts to separate a fire ant (Solenopsis macdonaghi) from her nestmates. Lone ants make easier targets. Parque Nacional El Palmar, Entre Rios, Argentina - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Ant Predators, Parasites, and other Enemies

Images of species that parasitize or prey on ants.

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A trio of parasitic phorid flies (Pseudacteon lontrae) hover over an ant nest (Linepithema oblongum) looking for targets.

Termas de Reyes, Jujuy, Argentina

Wham! A parasitic phorid fly (Pseudacteon) plants her ovipositor between the abdominal sclerites of a Linepithema oblongum worker ant to lay her egg. The oviposition takes less than a second. The hapless ant will later be consumed alive by the developing fly larva.

Termas de Reyes, Jujuy, Argentina

An Ant-Decapitating Fly (Phoridae, Pseudacteon sp.) attempts to separate a fire ant (Solenopsis macdonaghi) from her nestmates. Lone ants make easier targets.

Parque Nacional El Palmar, Entre Rios, Argentina

This Camponotus worker ant has succumbed to an Ophiocordyceps fungus. The ant's death is peculiarly gruesome. In the early stages of infection the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain, directing the ant to an area where the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. There, the ant bites down on a leaf vein, anchoring it in place. The fungus then kills the insect, consumes the tissues, and issues a fruiting body.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Silhouette of an Ophiocordyceps ant-killing fungus.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

The enlarged abdomen and shrunken head of this Odontomachus haematodus trap-jaw ant indicates she houses a massive mermithid parasite. These large nematodes infect ant larvae and result in stunted adults.

Armenia, Belize

Breaking the abdomen of a parasitized Odontomachus haematodus trap-jaw ant reveals the mermithid nematode coiled within. These worms infect ant larvae and cause stunted adults.

Armenia, Belize

Breaking the abdomen of a parasitized Odontomachus haematodus trap-jaw ant reveals a mermithid nematode coiled within. Worms infect the ants as larvae and result in stunted adults.

Armenia, Belize

An Ant-Decapitating Fly (Phoridae, Pseudacteon sp.) attempts to separate a fire ant (Solenopsis macdonaghi) from her nestmates. Lone ants make easier targets.

Parque Nacional El Palmar, Entre Rios, Argentina

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Ant Predators, Parasites, and other Enemies

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