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Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Ants and scale insects are often tight ecological associates, even under the soil. Here, a first instar ground pearl (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis) is carried by a Linepithema micans worker. The ground pearls produce honeydew that feeds the ants, while the ants protect the pearls and carry their young to new host plants. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Ants and scale insects are often tight ecological associates, even under the soil. Here, a first instar ground pearl (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis) is carried by a Linepithema micans worker. The ground pearls produce honeydew that feeds the ants, while the ants protect the pearls and carry their young to new host plants. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans, worker and eggs in an underground chamber. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans running through tunnels in their underground nest. Tafí del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina
Linepithema micans running through tunnels in their underground nest. Tafí del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina
Linepithema micans eating from a bit of shortbread cookie. Myrmecologists often use cookie baits to draw ants out of their nests for study. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots. Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Linepithema micans astride a ground pearl. The "pearl" is actually a honeydew-producing scale insect that feeds on the sap of roots.

Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
See photo in original gallery.
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013