Formicine ants are often dependent on honeydew-producing insects.  Here, Lepisiota sp. workers tend to scale insects in a South African forest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Lepisiota sp.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Lepisiota sp. workers carry eggs and larvae to safety when the photographer disturbs their nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Stigmacros, workers with eggs in the brood nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Lepisiota sp. workers carry eggs to safety when the photographer disturbs their nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Lepisiota sp. workers carry eggs to safety when the photographer disturbs their nest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Formicine ants are often dependent on honeydew-producing insects.  Here, Lepisiota sp. workers tend to scale insects in a South African forest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Stigmacros, workers with eggs in the brood nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Stigmacros, workers with eggs in the brood nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
Stigmacros, workers with eggs in the brood nest.

Yandoit, Victoria, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013