Formica
is an ubiquitous formicine genus across temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. These large, alert ants are diverse in behavior and ecology. Formica includes some slave-raiders as well as less extreme forms of social parasitism.
Formica argentea (the silver/grey ant) is a frequent host species for the 'slave-raiding' ant Polyergus breviceps (red). Here, I have disturbed a hibernating nest in early spring. The red Polyergus are slow to wake, but their skittish captives are active earlier in the season and come to life.
Sagehen Creek Field Station, California, USA
Formica argentea (the silver/grey ant) is a frequent host species for the 'slave-raiding' ant Polyergus breviceps (red). Here, I have disturbed a hibernating nest in early spring. The red Polyergus are slow to wake, but their skittish captives are active earlier in the season and come to life.
Sagehen Creek Field Station, California, USA
Canon EOS D60 |
Original size: 3072x2048 |
Current: 800x534 |
