Megalomyrmex
is a genus of slender myrmicine ants found in wet Neotropical forests. Some species, such as M. symmetochus pictured below, are specialist predators or parasites of fungus-growing ants.
Megalomyrmex adamsae & Trachymyrmex. Ant nests present a rich concentration of resources for organisms that can get past the ants' defenses. Nests often contain parasites, and one of the more intriguing cases of parasitism in the new world tropics involves another ant species, the parasite Megalomyrmex adamsae (the smaller ant at center-left). These solenopsidine ants inhabit nests of fungus-growing attine ants and feed on the brood and gardens of their hosts.
Panama; captive colony at the University of Texas
Megalomyrmex adamsae & Trachymyrmex. Ant nests present a rich concentration of resources for organisms that can get past the ants' defenses. Nests often contain parasites, and one of the more intriguing cases of parasitism in the new world tropics involves another ant species, the parasite Megalomyrmex adamsae (the smaller ant at center-left). These solenopsidine ants inhabit nests of fungus-growing attine ants and feed on the brood and gardens of their hosts.
Panama; captive colony at the University of Texas
Canon EOS 20D |
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