Cephalotes - # - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography - Insect Pictures

Cephalotes

is a diverse genus of heavily-armored, tree-dwelling myrmicine ants found in forested regions of the new world tropics and subptropics. A number of rainforest canopy species show the unusual habit of controlled gliding flight when they are knocked from tree branches. Most species are polymorphic, having a "soldier" caste with an enlarged head used for blocking the nest entrances.

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Cephalotes angustus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Cephalotes atratus

Gamboa, Panama

Trophallaxis between two Cephalotes atratus nestmates.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador

Cephalotes atratus

Gamboa, Panama

Mixed in among these turtle ants (Cephalotes atratus) are several honeydew-producing treehoppers. They are difficult to see, however, as their color, size, and texture closely match that of their ant associates. Presumably, this clever camouflage provides a measure of protection from predators.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

The adult form of this treehopper (bottom left) mimics the abdomen of the Cephalotes atratus ants that tend it for honeydew.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

The adult form of this treehopper (bottom left) mimics the abdomen of the Cephalotes atratus ants that tend it for honeydew.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil

Cephalotes atratus

Gamboa, Panama

Aphantochilus rogersi (left) is a convincing mimic of its prey, turtle ants in the genus Cephalotes.

Archidona, Napo, Ecuador

Cephalotes angustus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Cephalotes angustus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Cephalotes angustus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4168x2747 |

Current: 800x528 |

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Keywords: cephalotes turtle ant cryptocerus

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