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.
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
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
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 3336x2224 |
Current: 800x534 |
