Spiky larvae are characteristic of ponerine ants. Here, an Odontomachus clarus desert trap-jaw ant tends to larvae in the brood nest. Portal, Arizona, USA

Orectognathus versicolor. The predatory mandibles of trap-jaw ants must also be used for delicate tasks around the nest. Here, a worker transports a larva. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Pheidole floridana, larvae and minor workers Brackenridge Field Lab, Austin, Texas