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.
Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier.
Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier.
Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Canon EOS 7D |
Original size: 4811x3276 |
Current: 800x545 |
