Formica incerta. Ants as earthbound creatures are not ideal pollinators, but they can carry pollen over short distances. 

Champaign, Illinois, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to the larva of a Great Copper butterfly (Lycaena xanthoides).  The caterpillar produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the caterpillar from predators and parasites.

San Diego Co., California, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to a Lycaena xanthoides larva.  The larva produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the larva from predators and parasites.

San Diego Co., California, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to a Lycaena xanthoides larva.  The larva produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the larva from predators and parasites.

San Diego Co., California, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to the larva of a Great Copper butterfly (Lycaena xanthoides).  The caterpillar produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the caterpillar from predators and parasites.

San Diego Co., California, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to a pair of Great Copper (Lycaena xanthoides) larvae.  The larva produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the larva from predators and parasites.

San Diego Co., California, USA
Formica incerta. Ants as earthbound creatures are not ideal pollinators, but they can carry pollen over short distances. 

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Formica fusca queen and workers in the nest.

Sagehen Creek, California, USA
Formica aerata, the California grey field ant, tending aphids on a willow branch.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Formica aerata, the California grey field ant, tending aphids on a willow branch.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Formica aerata, the California grey field ant, tending aphids on a willow branch.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
Formica aerata, the California grey field ant, tending aphids on a willow branch.

Hallelujah Junction, California, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013