Follow the leader! Here, Mesoponera elisae workers engage in "tandem running" behavior, where a leading ant paves the way for a nestmate to follow. Notice the following ant's antennae making tight contact with the abdomen of the lead ant. St. Lucia, KZN, South Africa
Among the most damaging pest ant species is Solenopsis invicta, a fire ant native to South America. This species has been accidentally imported to the southern United States, eastern Australia, China, and elsewhere. Here a worker fire ant is shown in stereotypical defensive posture, her sting extruded, waving a droplet of venom in the air. Austin, Texas, USA
Her nest disturbed by the photographer, a Solenopsis thief ant worker exudes a droplet of venom on her stinger and waves it in the air. This behavior is known as "gaster-flagging". Morretes, Paraná, Brazil
