Dorymyrmex
is a soil-nesting dolichoderine ant abundant in the warmer climates of the New World, particularly in open and arid habitats. Nests of these active, alert insects are usually marked by a characteristic volcano-shaped nest entrance, while the ants themselves can be recognized by a characteristic upward-pointing tooth on the propodeum.
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Dorymyrmex reginicula (at left), a socially parasitic species, is harassed by a worker of its host Dorymyrmex elegans. Workers of the two species coexist in a single nest for a period after the parasite queen has assumed reproduction and before the last remaining host workers die off. The transition period is not entirely smooth, as evidenced by this aggressive interaction.
Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Dorymyrmex reginicula (at left), a socially parasitic species, is harassed by a worker of its host Dorymyrmex elegans. Workers of the two species coexist in a single nest for a period after the parasite queen has assumed reproduction and before the last remaining host workers die off. The transition period is not entirely smooth, as evidenced by this aggressive interaction.
Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 3716x2604 |
Current: 800x561 |
gallery pages: < 1 2 3 4 >
