The long spines on this Polyrhachis ant protect the insect's vulnerable waist while still allowing a broad range of movement.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The long spines on this Polyrhachis ant protect the insect's vulnerable waist while still allowing a broad range of movement.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) sp. golden spiny ant

Coen, Queensland, Australia
A spiny ant worker (Polyrhachis schlueteri) forages at the edge of a South African coastal forest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) sp. golden spiny ant

Coen, Queensland, Australia
Polyrhachis schlueteri

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Polyrhachis schlueteri

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
A spiny ant worker (Polyrhachis schlueteri) forages at the edge of a South African coastal forest.

St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Polyrhachis (Hagiomyrma) sp. golden spiny ant

Coen, Queensland, Australia
The long spines on this Polyrhachis ant protect the insect's vulnerable waist while still allowing a broad range of movement.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The long spines on this Polyrhachis ant protect the insect's vulnerable waist while still allowing a broad range of movement.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
The long spines on this Polyrhachis ant protect the insect's vulnerable waist while still allowing a broad range of movement.

Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013