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