A pile of Rhytidoponera victoriae pupae in the brood nest. The silken cocoons protect the pupae from desiccation, among other threats. Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Rhytidoponera

is a common, conspicuous, and often strikingly-colored ectatommine ant found from Indonesia to Australia and New Caledonia.

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A pile of Rhytidoponera victoriae pupae in the brood nest. The silken cocoons protect the pupae from desiccation, among other threats.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia

The worst enemies of ants are often other ants. Here, a Rhytidoponera victoriae scout (at left) has discovered an Stigmatomma ferruginea worker and attempts to wrestle it back to her nest. If successful, she will kill the Stigmatomma and feed her to the larvae. Stigmatomma is too specialized as an underground predator to be good at general fighting, so is at a disadvantage here.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia

Stigmatomma ferruginea (left) & Rhytidoponera victoriae, fighting.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia

This predatory Rhytidoponera worker has captured a caterpillar and is carrying it back to her nest.

Mungkan Kandju National Park, Queensland, Australia

Rhytidoponera sp.

Mungkan Kandju National Park, Queensland, Australia

Rhytidoponera sp.

Iron Range National Park, Queensland, Australia

A pile of Rhytidoponera victoriae pupae in the brood nest. The silken cocoons protect the pupae from desiccation, among other threats.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4502x3001 |

Current: 800x534 |

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Keywords: silk cocoons rhytidoponera ectatomminae ant brood brood care

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Rhytidoponera

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