Hypoponera
is one of the most abundant subterranean ants in tropical regions around the world. These small ponerines show considerable variation in life history, with some species having multiple mating strategies associated with unusual male and female forms.
Hypoponera opacior ergatoid male. Most ant males are wasp-like and winged, adapted for dispersing away from their home nest to mate with queens from other colonies. But some Hypoponera males like the one shown here are inbreeding specialists. These pale creatures are worker-like in appearance and mate with their sisters in the nest.
Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Hypoponera opacior ergatoid male. Most ant males are wasp-like and winged, adapted for dispersing away from their home nest to mate with queens from other colonies. But some Hypoponera males like the one shown here are inbreeding specialists. These pale creatures are worker-like in appearance and mate with their sisters in the nest.
Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Canon EOS 50D |
Original size: 2604x1786 |
Current: 800x549 |
