An Eciton hamatum army ant worker is pinned down by fierce little Azteca ants defending their territory. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
The swollen stem of a Cordia nodosa plant houses a symbiotic colony of Azteca ants. The ants protect the plant from herbivores in exchange for lodging. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
The swollen stem of a Cordia nodosa plant houses a symbiotic colony of Azteca ants. The ants protect the plant from herbivores in exchange for lodging. The large ant at center is the queen. Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador