Dendroides sp. fire-colored beetle larva (Pyrochroidae)

Urbana, Illinois
Lasius alienus workers tend to young larvae in the nest. 

Urbana, Illinois, USA
This Lasius alienus worker hosts an Oplitis mite on her mid-leg. Mites are ubiquitous inhabitants of ant nests, although their biology and relationships to the ants is poorly understood.
When a photographer disturbs their nest, these Lasius alienus workers drag the larvae to safety.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A Lasius pallitarsis worker feeds the carcasses of fungus gnats to hungry larvae in the brood nest. This species is among the most abundant ants in the Sierra Nevada.

Sagehen Creek Field Station, California, USA
Nylanderia guatemalensis, worker carrying a larva. 

Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Solenopsis molesta thief ants, with eggs and larvae.

Dixon Springs, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys rostrata workers with larvae in the brood nest.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys rostrata workers with larvae in the brood nest.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Dendroides sp. fire-colored beetle larva (Pyrochroidae)

Urbana, Illinois
Dendroides sp. fire-colored beetle larva (Pyrochroidae)

Urbana, Illinois
Dendroides sp. fire-colored beetle larva (Pyrochroidae)

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