Stigmatomma
is an ancient group of predaceous ants found worldwide, sometimes called "dracula ants" for the adults' habit of feeding on larval hemolymph. These subterranean ants have elongate mandibles, poor vision, and a characteristic broad posterior attachment of the petiole. Many species are specialist predators of centipedes.
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
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
Canon EOS 7D |
Original size: 4153x2769 |
Current: 800x534 |
