Ants Fighting

Images of conflict among ant societies.

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Pogonomyrmex maricopa and Aphaenogaster albisetosa workers, fighting. Resources are scarce in the desert and competition among ants is fierce, leading to frequent conflicts.

Green Valley, Arizona, USA

Two harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) from adjacent nests engaging in ritual warfare, pushing in a display of force but not actually harming each other. It is thought that colonies use these mock battles to gather information about their neighbors. Knowledge about the strength of competing colonies helps ants set territorial borders without loss of life.

Tucson, Arizona, USA

A feisty little Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) attacks a much larger fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Both species co-exist naturally in subtropical South America, but in the southern United States where both have been accidentally introduced, the fire ant has displaced the Argentine ants.

Austin, Texas, USA

A ancient antagony between two highly competitive ants (Linepithema humile and Solenopsis invicta) from the same river basin in South America plays out again in North America where both have been introduced.

Austin, Texas, USA

As neighboring Tetramorium pavement ant colonies grow into each others' territories, they test their strength in extended battles.

Champaign, Illinois, USA

In ant battles, large size is not as advantageous as large numbers. This Pheidole soldier ant proved no match for the hordes of Tetramorium sericeiventre that zealously defend their territory against any incursion.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa

The biggest enemies of ants are usually other ants, as competition for limited food and space is often intense. Here, two Tetramorium workers have killed a Pheidole from a neighboring nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa

An unfortunate Opsithopsis respiciens strobe ant has been discovered in the treetop territory of Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ants and is summarily executed.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia

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

Pogonomyrmex maricopa and Aphaenogaster albisetosa workers, fighting. Resources are scarce in the desert and competition among ants is fierce, leading to frequent conflicts.

Green Valley, Arizona, USA

Canon EOS 50D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4476x2908 |

Current: 800x520 |

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