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Plants of the genus Inga have nectaries on the upper surface of their leaves to attract ants that may remove the plants' herbivores.This one has brought in a Camponotus carpenter ant. Napo, Ecuador
The arboreal nest of Nasutitermes termites. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Crematogaster acrobat ants feeding from the nectaries of a Heliconia flower. Misahuallí, Napo, Ecuador
Anelosimus social spiders. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
This Camponotus worker ant has succumbed to an Ophiocordyceps fungus. The ant's death is peculiarly gruesome. In the early stages of infection the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain, directing the ant to an area where the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. There, the ant bites down on a leaf vein, anchoring it in place. The fungus then kills the insect, consumes the tissues, and issues a fruiting body. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ants killed by fungi are often found stuck to the underside of leaves near the forest floor. There, the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
This Camponotus worker ant has succumbed to an Ophiocordyceps fungus. The ant's death is peculiarly gruesome. In the early stages of infection the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain, directing the ant to an area where the humidity is optimal for fungal growth. There, the ant bites down on a leaf vein, anchoring it in place. The fungus then kills the insect, consumes the tissues, and issues a fruiting body. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Portrait of a bullet ant worker (Paraponera clavata). Misahaullí, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Ophiocordyceps fungus growing from the carcass of a carpenter ant. Note how the ant's mandibles have gripped the leaf edge, anchoring it in place. This behavior is induced when the fungus takes partial control over the ant's brain.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013