A nest of the miniature predator Strumigenys rostrata in an Illinois forest.  Notice how the ants have enclosed their space by building a circular wall around the colony.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys ohioensis, with larva.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
A nest of the miniature predator Pyramica rostrata in an Illinois forest.  Notice how the ants have enclosed their space by building a circular wall around the colony.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys membranifera is a cryptic ant from the old world tropics that has spread across the globe with human trade.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Strumigenys membranifera is a cryptic ant from the old world tropics that has spread across the globe with human trade.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
Strumigenys rostrata

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys rostrata

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Strumigenys reflexa

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Pyramica membranifera is a cryptic ant from the old world tropics that has spread across the globe with human trade.

Tucson, Arizona, USA
A nest of the miniature predator Strumigenys rostrata in an Illinois forest. Notice how the ants have enclosed their space by building a circular wall around the colony.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
A nest of the miniature predator Strumigenys rostrata in an Illinois forest.  Notice how the ants have enclosed their space by building a circular wall around the colony.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
A nest of the miniature predator Strumigenys rostrata in an Illinois forest. Notice how the ants have enclosed their space by building a circular wall around the colony.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013