Eurhopalothrix procera - a worker ant delicately handles a freshly-laid egg. Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia

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

Formica pallidefulva. This young ant has just eclosed from a pupa and her integument is still pale and soft. She will darken over time. Champaign, Illinois, USA