Tetramorium nodiferum is unusual for the genus in being slightly polymorphic in the worker cast. A subset of individuals in the nest have relatively elongate heads.

Kibale forest, Uganda
Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Eciton burchellii has one of the more complex caste systems among ants, with at least four distinct types of worker. Here, a media worker (at left ) passes a soldier.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Eciton burchellii major and media workers.

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Formica obscuripes mound ants gather honeydew from aphids.

Sagehen Creek, California, USA
A minor worker of Pheidole aberrans, a small but ambitious South American harvester ant, lugs a grass seed to her nest.

Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina
Harvester ants do not feed on seeds alone.  Here, Messor pergandei workers have discovered a dessicated caterpillar carcass.  Note the size difference among the workers.

Anza Borrego Desert, California, USA
Pheidole bergi

Frías, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
A minor worker of Pheidole aberrans, a small but ambitious South American harvester ant, lugs a grass seed to her nest.

Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina
A minor worker of Pheidole aberrans, a small but ambitious South American harvester ant, lugs a grass seed to her nest.

Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina
A minor worker of Pheidole aberrans, a small but ambitious South American harvester ant, lugs a grass seed to her nest.

Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina
A minor worker of Pheidole aberrans, a small but ambitious South American harvester ant, lugs a grass seed to her nest.

Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013