Eciton
is a large, conspicuous army ant endemic to the neotropics. Most species have a soldier caste with mandibles modified into ice-tong shaped hooks for defense against vertebrates. One rain forest species, E. burchellii, is known for its expansive epigaeic swarm raids.
Colonies of the giant neotropical army ant Eciton burchelli have workers of many different sizes specialized for different tasks. The large, light-colored ant at center is a soldier that performs defensive functions, the smaller ants are minor workers that specialize in prey capture.
Captive colony at the California Academy of Sciences
Colonies of the giant neotropical army ant Eciton burchelli have workers of many different sizes specialized for different tasks. The large, light-colored ant at center is a soldier that performs defensive functions, the smaller ants are minor workers that specialize in prey capture.
Captive colony at the California Academy of Sciences
Canon EOS D60 |
Original size: 3076x2078 |
Current: 800x541 |
