Protomognathus americanus, an acorn slave-raiding ant. The large head and strong jaws are useful during raids for overcoming the defenses of acorn ants. Urbana, Illinois, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Protomognathus

This socially parasitic genus contains a single species, P. americanus, that is restricted to forests of eastern North America. It raids the nests of Temnothorax acorn ants for pupae, which then emerge to carry out the work of the colony.

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Protomognathus americanus, an acorn slave-raiding ant.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Protomognathus americanus, an acorn slave-raiding ant. The large head and strong jaws are useful during raids for overcoming the defenses of acorn ants.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Acorn ant workers (Temnothorax curvispinosus) care for brood while the parasites (Protomognathus americanus) sit idly by.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

A slave-raiding queen, Protomognathus americanus.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

A mixed colony of Protomognathus americanus (the acorn slave-raiding ant, dark brown) and its host, Temnothorax curvispinosus.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Protomognathus americanus, an acorn slave-raiding ant. The large head and strong jaws are useful during raids for overcoming the defenses of acorn ants.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 2696x1760 |

Current: 800x523 |

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Keywords: americanus1

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Protomognathus

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