An Azteca foundress queen shows off the powerful mandibles she uses to gain access to the hollow interior of Cecropia stems. Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Azteca

is a genus of aggressive, tree-dwelling dolichoderine ants found throughout the new world tropics. Some species have evolved specialized relationships with the plants that house them.

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The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants. Here, a worker carries a larva to safety after the photographer disturbs the nest. Note the mealybugs at lower-left, which the ants tend for honeydew.

Gamboa, Panama

Gamboa, Panama

The hollow stem of a Cecropia tree houses a colony of fierce Azteca alfari ants.

Gamboa, Panama

Azteca alfari at the nest entrance.

Gamboa, Panama

Food bodies sprout from the base of a Cecropia leaf. These feed the plant's protective Azteca ants.

Gamboa, Panama

A young Azteca isthmica queen cuts into the soft tissue of a Cecropia tree to gain access to the hollow center. The trees welcome such an intrusion: the resident Azteca colony founded by this queen will provide ample protection from herbivores.

Coclé, Panama

Taking a break from excavating a nest entrance hole, a young Azteca isthmica queen cleans herself.

Coclé, Panama

An Azteca foundress queen shows off the powerful mandibles she uses to gain access to the hollow interior of Cecropia stems.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4168x2779 |

Current: 800x534 |

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Keywords: azteca queen ant mandibles gyne colony founding

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Azteca

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