Anochetus micans is a slender trap-jaw ant with a narrow distribution in Central America.

Armenia, Belize
A Plectroctena cristata forager poses with a millipede she has paralyzed.

Kibale Forest, Uganda
Odontomachus rixosus

Cambodia (laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)
Odontomachus sp. trap-jaw ant.

Cambodia (Laboratory colony at the University of Illinois)
An Azteca foundress queen shows off the powerful mandibles she uses to gain access to the hollow interior of Cecropia stems.

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Odontomachus erythrocephalus

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
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
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Dolichoderus attelaboides worker stands guard.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Odontomachus erythrocephalus

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Odontomachus erythrocephalus

Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
Odontomachus erythrocephalus

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