Tapinoma sessile - queen and worker. Queens are not only larger than workers, their bodies are structured to hold wings (now removed) and flight muscles.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile - odorous house ant, queen.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
First instar larvae in the brood nest of Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Two nestmates of the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) share a granule of sugar.  

Champaign, Illinois, USA.
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile workers carry brood to safety after the photographer disturbs their nest.

Calistoga, California, USA
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Two nestmates of the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) share a granule of sugar.

Champaign, Illinois, USA.
Two nestmates of the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) share a granule of sugar.  

Champaign, Illinois, USA.
Two nestmates of the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) share a granule of sugar.

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