Portrait of a Pheidole vafra major worker. This species is among the most widespread in Central & South America, and its affinity for disturbed habitats suggests it may have been dispersed by human activity.

Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
Pheidole morrisi is a common soil-nesting ant in sandy habitats in southeastern North America. This photo shows a major (left) and minor worker from the same colony.

Orlando, Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus is a small arboreal ant whose minor workers (right) mimic Crematogaster acrobat ants. The major workers (left) serve as living doors, plugging nest entrances with an enlarged head.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
Camponotus (Colobopsis) impressus major worker. The blunt head serves as a living door to this species' twig nests.

Laboratory colony at the University of Central Florida, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013