Alex Wild Photography - Insect Images

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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alexwild > Odontomachus bauri trap-jaw ants showing some of the different mandible positions.

La Selva, Heredia, Costa Rica

alexwild > An Odontomachus bauri worker has captured an earthworm and is carrying it home.

Gamboa, Panama

alexwild > Odontomachus brunneus is the common trap-jaw ant along the gulf coast of the southern United States.

Elsanor, Alabama, USA

alexwild > Odontomachus brunneus with the trap-jaw held open. Note the trigger hairs that protrude from the front of the mandibles.

Elsanor, Alabama, USA

alexwild > Inside the brood nest, an Odontomachus brunneus trap-jaw ant larva feeds on the remains of a termite. Unlike adult ants, larvae can consume solid food.

Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA

alexwild > Odontomachus cephalotes

Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia

alexwild > Odontomachus chelifer is the largest trap-jaw ant species in South America.

Aragua, Venezuela

Odontomachus bauri trap-jaw ants showing some of the different mandible positions.

La Selva, Heredia, Costa Rica

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Keywords: bugs nature insect insects hymenoptera formicidae trapjaw ants trapjaw ant mandibles ponerinae odontomachus worker ants poneromorph hunting ant odontomachus bauri open jaws

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