An Azteca foundress queen shows off the powerful mandibles she uses to gain access to the hollow interior of Cecropia stems. Icononzo, Tolima, Colombia
A Cecropia ant queen searches for a suitable entry point on a Cecropia trunk. Coclé, Panama
A young Azteca isthmica queen cuts into the soft tissue of a Cecropia tree to gain access to the hollow center. The trees welcome such an intrusion: the resident Azteca colony founded by this queen will provide ample protection from herbivores. Coclé, Panama
