The orange balls in the Reticulitermes nest are a fungus that assumes the size, texture, and chemical signature of termite eggs. Termites, being blind, can't tell the difference and care for the fungus as if they were their own eggs. 

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
A newborn termite hatches into a mix of fungal egg-mimics and termite eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
The orange balls in the Reticulitermes nest are a fungus that assumes the size, texture, and chemical signature of termite eggs. Termites, being blind, can't tell the difference and care for the fungus as if they were their own eggs. 

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
Stick insect eggs often mimic plant seeds. These Diapheromera eggs are dispersed by ants.

Illinois, USA
An Australian spider protects her egg sac from an overzealous photographer.

Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia
Formica obscuripes ant examining eggs of the Northern Walking Stick Diapheromera femorata.  Ants find the seed-like eggs attractive and may carry them to protected overwintering sites.

Wisconsin, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs. 

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Lasius (Acanthomyops) claviger citronella ants tending to eggs. 

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Solenopsis molesta thief ants, with eggs and larvae.

Dixon Springs, Illinois, USA
A newborn termite hatches into a mix of fungal egg-mimics and termite eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
A newborn termite hatches into a mix of fungal egg-mimics and termite eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
A newborn termite hatches into a mix of fungal egg-mimics and termite eggs.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013