A mixed colony of Protomognathus americanus (the acorn slave-raiding ant, dark brown) and its host, Temnothorax curvispinosus. Urbana, Illinois, USA - Alex Wild Photography - Insect Photography

Temnothorax

is a morphologically diverse genus of small myrmicine ants found worldwide. Colonies often live in tight spaces and can survive long periods of dearth. Some species are known as acorn ants or rock ants for their nesting habits.

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Temnothorax andrei, inside the brood nest.

Mojave National Preserve, California, USA

Temnothorax curvispinosus is a common acorn ant in eastern and central North America.

Champaign, Illinois, USA

Queen and worker Temnothorax curvispinosus, a young nest inside a plant stem.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Temnothorax curvispinosus

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Cracking open an acorn reveals a colony of Temnothorax curvispinosus acorn ants. This species will also nest in walnut shells, twigs, plant galls, and other small pre-formed cavities.

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Temnothorax curvispinosus nest inside a rotting walnut.

Champaign, Illinois, USA

Temnothorax gallae is an ecologically specialized ant that nests in pre-existing cavities of manzanita trees.

Jasper Ridge, California, USA

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

Urbana, Illinois, USA

Canon EOS 7D |

More details: exif |

Original size: 4688x3012 |

Current: 800x514 |

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Keywords: hymenoptera dulosis social parasites social parasitism slave raiding ants pirate ants

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Temnothorax

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