Army ant colonies are worth close attention, as they are full of fascinating and poorly studied associates. Here, an ant-mimicking rove beetle runs in a nighttime raiding column in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. The mimicry is likely intended to fool the beetle's predators rather than the army ants, which have poor vision. Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador.
This photograph shows two arthropod associates of an army ant colony. To the right is a small Vatesus rove beetle. Harder to see is the coxal mite, molded perfectly to base of the hind leg of the ant at left. Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador.
It is worth paying close attention to army ant colonies, as they are full of fascinating and poorly studied associates. Here, a tiny Vatesus rove beetle runs in a nighttime raiding column in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador.
