Acromyrmex niger cutting a leaf.

Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Dolichoderus attelaboides worker stands guard.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Atta laevigata is recognizeable by the giant shiny head of the soldiers.

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 niger cutting a leaf.

Monte Verde, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Camponotus consobrinus - banded sugar ant. Here, a worker stands guard in case the photographer approaches her nest too closely.

Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia
Iridomyrmex purpureus meat ants are aggressive in defense of their colonies. Here, a guard ant attempts to take down the photographer.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Dolichoderus attelaboides worker stands guard.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Dolichoderus attelaboides worker stands guard.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Dolichoderus attelaboides worker stands guard.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013