A colorful Camponotus worker carries a cocoon to safety when her nest is disturbed by the photographer.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
A Camponotus major worker.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Camponotus foragers often travel in small packs. Here, a hunting party wanders across a patio floor at night.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Camponotus sp.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Camponotus sp.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Ants of the Camponotus subgenus Myrmobrachys often walk with their gasters tucked characteristically under their bodies.

Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Camponotus sericeiventris is one of the largest carpenter ants in the world.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
When threatened, a worker Camponotus sericeiventris tucks her gaster under her body, aiming the acid-ejecting acidopore forward at the perceived threat.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013