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.
Aphantochilus rogersi (left) is a convincing mimic of its prey, turtle ants in the genus Cephalotes.
Archidona, Napo, Ecuador
Aphantochilus rogersi (left) is a convincing mimic of its prey, turtle ants in the genus Cephalotes.
Archidona, Napo, Ecuador
Canon EOS 7D |
Original size: 4386x2952 |
Current: 800x539 |
