Pheidole californica, major worker.

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, California, USA
Pheidole megacephala, the big-headed ant, is one of the world's most damaging invasive ant species.

Durban, South Africa
Ants (Pheidole megacephala) tending aphids for honeydew.  The tight association of ants and aphids give the ants a significant carbohydrate boost and the aphids protection from predators.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala, the big-headed ant, is one of the world's most damaging invasive ant species.

Durban, South Africa
Inside the brood nest of Pheidole megacephala, with larvae and pupae in varying states of development.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Ants (Pheidole megacephala) tending aphids for honeydew.  The tight association of ants and aphids give the ants a significant carbohydrate boost and the aphids protection from predators.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala minor workers kill prey by holding it down and pulling it apart.  Here, they attack a driver ant (Dorylus) worker that has strayed too close to their nest. 

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Multiple queens in a colony of Pheidole megacephala big-headed ants.  

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala, the big-headed ant, is one of the world's most damaging invasive ant species.

Durban, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala minor workers kill prey by holding it down and pulling it apart. Here, they attack a driver ant (Dorylus) worker that has strayed too close to their nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala minor workers kill prey by holding it down and pulling it apart.  Here, they attack a driver ant (Dorylus) worker that has strayed too close to their nest. 

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Pheidole megacephala minor workers kill prey by holding it down and pulling it apart. Here, they attack a driver ant (Dorylus) worker that has strayed too close to their nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013