Linepithema iniquum from different nests, fighting. Myrmecologists can sometimes measure the territory of an an colony by testing the aggression of ants collected at different distances.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
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
Linepithema iniquum from different nests, fighting.

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
Linepithema iniquum workers from different colonies fighting.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Stigmatomma ferruginea (left) & Rhytidoponera victoriae, fighting.

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
As a Cerapachys larvatus group raid (large black ants) hits the target Stigmacros nest, chaos and fighting ensue.

Harrietville, Victoria, Australia
Linepithema iniquum workers from different colonies fighting.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Linepithema iniquum workers from different colonies fighting.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Linepithema iniquum workers from different colonies fighting.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013