Several genera of myrmicine ants, including Crematogaster, attach intermediate-age larvae to the walls and ceiling of the brood chamber. These larvae have long, anchor-shaped hairs along their backs that hook into the substrate like velcro. (Crematogaster nigropilosa)

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
This Crematgaster colony was nesting under a bamboo sheath. Notice the body of a dead Neoponera among the larvae. Ants routinely consume the scavenged bodies of other species.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Camponotus workers tend to eggs deep in the nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Monomorium sydneyense brood nest. 

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
A beekeeper holds a frame of capped worker brood.
Lasius umbratus cocoons in the brood nest.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Doleromyrma darwiniana worker tending to developing larvae.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013