Aphaenogaster
is a heterogeneous assemblage of slender myrmicine ants found worldwide. A number of species are seed harvesters, while other species, such as A. tennesseensis, are social parasites of other Aphaenogaster. A few Australian species build extensive soil mounds and are regarded as pests of lawns and pastures.
Some plants have come to rely so heavily on ants to spread their seeds about that they offer the insects a tasty treat in exchange for the dispersal service. Seeds of these species bear a lipid-filled structure called an elaiosome, whose sole function appears to be the attraction of ants.
Here, Aphaenogaster fulva disperse bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) seeds.
Urbana, Illinois, USA
Some plants have come to rely so heavily on ants to spread their seeds about that they offer the insects a tasty treat in exchange for the dispersal service. Seeds of these species bear a lipid-filled structure called an elaiosome, whose sole function appears to be the attraction of ants.
Here, Aphaenogaster fulva disperse bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) seeds.
Urbana, Illinois, USA
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 4752x3168 |
Current: 800x534 |
