This worker honeypot ant (Myrmecocystus mexicanus) is slowly being consumed from within by a fungus, visible here as growths extruding from the body and appendages. As soil-dwelling creatures, ants are in constant battle against microbes that thrive in the warm, humid conditions of their nests. Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, USA
An Ophiocordyceps fungus sprouts from a Camponotus carpenter ant. Armenia, Belize
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
