Chrysalids of Caligo owl butterflies in lateral and ventral view.

Misahuallí, Napo, Ecuador
Leptogenys workers scramble to carry their brood to safety when the photographer uncovers their nest.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Breaking open a hollow twig in the Florida scrub reveals a nest of the twig ant Pseudomyrmex gracilis.

Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Formica incerta workers carry a pupa to safety after the photographer disturbs their nest.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois, USA
The distinctive yellow pupae of Ponera pennsylvanica, a common woodland ant in eastern North America.
Camponotus castaneus worker carrying a cocoon through an underground tunnel.  Although members of the genus Camponotus are commonly referred to as "carpenter ants", this species nests not in wood but in soil.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Camponotus castaneus minor worker in the brood nest.

Vermillion River Observatory, Illinois, USA
Technomyrmex difficilis. The pattern of hairs on the head and back of this ant is diagnostic for this species.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Technomyrmex difficilis, brood nest with workers and developing larvae and pupae.  This African species has become a pest in warm climates around the world.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Leptogenys workers scramble to carry their brood to safety when the photographer uncovers their nest.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Leptogenys workers scramble to carry their brood to safety when the photographer uncovers their nest.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Leptogenys workers scramble to carry their brood to safety when the photographer uncovers their nest.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013