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.
A turtle ant soldier Cephalotes spinosus guards the nest entrance using her head as a door.
Misahuallí, Napo, Ecuador
A turtle ant soldier Cephalotes spinosus guards the nest entrance using her head as a door.
Misahuallí, Napo, Ecuador
Canon EOS 7D |
Original size: 4989x3256 |
Current: 800x522 |
