Cephalotes umbraculatus turtle ant fighting an aspirator.

Archidona, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ground beetles (Carabidae) in a museum collection.
A selection of beetle specimens, preserved for scientific study.
A selection of beetle specimens, preserved for scientific study.
A selection of Hymenoptera from a museum collection, preserved for scientific study.
Lasius neoniger, queen after her mating flight.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
At the end of a long summer season of brutal territorial battles and courting females, male carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) are so tired and tattered that they let themselves be handled without protest.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
The larva of a lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) makes short work of milkweed aphids (Aphis nerii).

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A selection of beetle specimens, preserved for scientific study.
A selection of beetle specimens, preserved for scientific study.
A selection of beetle specimens, preserved for scientific study.
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013