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Fighting ensues when both Acromyrmex disciger leafcutting ants and Pheidole vafra big-headed ants arrive at a cookie bait. Although the Pheidole won this particular fight, the larger battle went to the leafcutters, and within 20 minutes of taking this photo the Pheidole had vanished. Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
When both Acromyrmex disciger leafcutting ants and Pheidole vafra big-headed ants arrive at a cookie bait I placed on the ground, fighting ensues. Although the Pheidole won this particular fight, the larger battle went to the leafcutters, and within 20 minutes of taking this photo the Pheidole had vanished. Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
When both Acromyrmex disciger leafcutting ants and Pheidole vafra big-headed ants arrive at a cookie bait I placed on the ground, fighting ensues. Although the Pheidole won this particular fight, the larger battle went to the leafcutters, and within 20 minutes of taking this photo the Pheidole had vanished. Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Inside the folds of an orchid plant, Linepithema iniquum ants from neighboring colonies fight over access to the plant's nectar sources. Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Two harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) from adjacent nests engaging in ritual warfare, pushing in a display of force but not actually harming each other. It is thought that colonies use these mock battles to gather information about their neighbors. Knowledge about the strength of competing colonies helps ants set territorial borders without loss of life. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Two harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) from adjacent nests engaging in ritual warfare, pushing in a display of force but not actually harming each other. It is thought that colonies use these mock battles to gather information about their neighbors. Knowledge about the strength of competing colonies helps ants set territorial borders without loss of life. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Nomamyrmex army ants are among the few animals that successfully attack leafcutter ant nests. The leafcutters are not without their defenses. Here two Atta workers attack and kill a Nomamyrmex esenbeckii scout, preventing the army ants from discovering the leafcutter's trail. Gamboa, Panama
Two harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) from adjacent nests engaging in ritual warfare, pushing in a display of force but not actually harming each other. It is thought that colonies use these mock battles to gather information about their neighbors. Knowledge about the strength of competing colonies helps ants set territorial borders without loss of life. Tucson, Arizona, USA
Her nest breached by attacking Forelius nigriventris (at right), a fire ant adopts typical defensive position: stinger raised and exuding a droplet of volatile venom. Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Her nest breached by attacking Forelius nigriventris (at right), a fire ant adopts typical defensive position: stinger raised and exuding a droplet of volatile venom.

Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Her nest breached by attacking Forelius nigriventris (at right), a fire ant adopts typical defensive position: stinger raised and exuding a droplet of volatile venom. Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Her nest breached by attacking Forelius nigriventris (at right), a fire ant adopts typical defensive position: stinger raised and exuding a droplet of volatile venom.

Santiago del Estero, Argentina
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013