Inside a laboratory nest, a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs. In nature, the queen seals herself in an underground chamber and raises the first workers on her body reserves.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs. In nature, the queen seals herself in an underground chamber and raises the first workers on her body reserves.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Inside a laboratory nest a young fire ant queen (Solenopsis invicta) tends to her first eggs.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus workers tend to eggs deep in the nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Monomorium sydneyense brood nest. 

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia
Eggs and young larvae inside the brood nest of Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ants.

Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Aphaenogaster fulva workers tending to brood.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Illinois, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs. 

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs. 

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013