An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Acromyrmex crassispinus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Portrait of Acromyrmex subterraneus, one of the largest and spiniest species in the genus.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Acromyrmex crassispinus

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
An Atta laevigata soldier advances on the photographer. These giant ants are specialized for nest defense, and their bite easily draws blood.

Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Portrait of Acromyrmex subterraneus, one of the largest and spiniest species in the genus.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Small Atta cephalotes workers riding cut leaves.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Atta texana

Austin, Texas, USA
Small Atta cephalotes workers riding cut leaves.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Small Atta cephalotes workers riding cut leaves.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Small Atta cephalotes workers riding cut leaves.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013