Pseudomyrmex spinicola acacia ants guarding a nest entrance. This species has a painful sting and a much more aggressive temperment than most other Pseudomyrmex, an effective deterrent to large vertebrate herbivores. Chiriqui, Panama
Simopelta sp. nr. pergandei, nest emigration across leaf litter. Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, Venezuela
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
