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 varians, turtle ant soldier. The bizarre disc on the head is used as a living door to block the nest entrance.
Florida Keys, USA
Cephalotes varians, turtle ant soldier. The bizarre disc on the head is used as a living door to block the nest entrance.
Florida Keys, USA
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 4536x3004 |
Current: 800x530 |
