Odontomachus

is a large, conspicuous ponerine ant found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Often called "trap-jaw ants", these predatory insects are noted for their unusual mandibles that are held open at 180º and snap shut on a hair trigger.

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Odontomachus meinerti, with mandibles locked into the "ready-to-fire" position, trigger hairs pointing forward.

Misiones, Argentina

Odontomachus rixosus trap-jaw ant with mandibles in the open (top) and closed (bottom) positions.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Portrait of the trap-jaw ant Odontomachus rixosus.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Portrait of the trap-jaw ant Odontomachus rixosus with her jaws closed.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Portrait of the trap-jaw ant Odontomachus rixosus with her jaws open. Note the forward-facing trigger hairs.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Odontomachus rixosus trap-jaw ant with mandibles in the closed position.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Odontomachus rixosus trap-jaw ant with mandibles in the open position. Note the forward-facing trigger hairs.

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)

Odontomachus meinerti, with mandibles locked into the "ready-to-fire" position, trigger hairs pointing forward.

Misiones, Argentina

Canon EOS 20D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 3504x2336 |

Current: 800x534 |

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Odontomachus

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