Liometopum occidentale velvety tree ant workers tending larvae of the copper butterfly Lycaena xanthoides. The caterpillars produce a substance attractive to the ants, and the ants provide protection from predators and parasites.
Kern County, California, USA
Liometopum occidentale velvety tree ant workers tending larvae of the copper butterfly Lycaena xanthoides. The caterpillars produce a substance attractive to the ants, and the ants provide protection from predators and parasites.
Kern County, California, USA
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 3261x2262 |
Current: 800x555 |
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013