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.
Cephalotes rohweri, the Arizona turtle ant. The broad head disc of this soldier is used in nature to block the nest entrance. This species nests in old burrows of wood-boring beetles and constantly faces usurpation by competing ants.
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Cephalotes rohweri, the Arizona turtle ant. The broad head disc of this soldier is used in nature to block the nest entrance. This species nests in old burrows of wood-boring beetles and constantly faces usurpation by competing ants.
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 3504x2336 |
Current: 800x534 |
