Army ant colonies typically contain workers of many sizes, each specialized for a different task. Here a Nomamyrmex esenbeckii worker stands guard over a passing column. Gamboa, Panama - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Nomamyrmex

is the most heavily armored of the army ants. This genus is found from south Texas to northern Argentina. Like all army ants it is nomadic, without permanent nests. Nomamyrmex preys on the brood of other ant species, and is the only ant that attacks mature colonies of Atta leafcutters.

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Nomamyrmex esenbeckii, carrying a larva. The bright red color indicates a relatively young age for this worker. Gamboa, Panama.

filename: Nomamyrmex1

Nomamyrmex esenbeckii

Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Nomamyrmex army ants are among the few animals that successfully attack leafcutter ant nests. The leafcutters are not without their defenses. Here two Atta workers attack and kill a Nomamyrmex esenbeckii scout, preventing the army ants from discovering the leafcutter's trail.

Gamboa, Panama

A soldier of Nomamyrmex esenbeckii, the most heavily armored of the army ants. As these ants are predators of the giant Atta leafcutting ants, they require stout, sturdy appendages to withstand the slicing mandibles of their prey.

Gamboa, Panama

Army ant colonies typically contain workers of many sizes, each specialized for a different task. Here a Nomamyrmex esenbeckii worker stands guard over a passing column.

Gamboa, Panama

Nomamyrmex esenbeckii. A busy trail in a Panamanian rainforest.

Gamboa, Panama

Nomamyrmex esenbeckii is a master predator of other ants. Here, a worker carries off a Pheidole soldier she has paralyzed, transporting the prey in typical army ant style- slung under her body.

Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Army ant colonies typically contain workers of many sizes, each specialized for a different task. Here a Nomamyrmex esenbeckii worker stands guard over a passing column.

Gamboa, Panama

Canon EOS 20D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 3504x2332 |

Current: 800x533 |

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Nomamyrmex

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