Crematogaster
is an abundant, ecologically diverse myrmicine genus found worldwide. These ants- sometimes called "Acrobat Ants"- are easily recognized by their unusual heart-shaped gasters.
Crematogaster acrobat ants use their stingers in defense, but they don't pierce the integument of their opponents. Rather, the stinger serves as a brush for smearing defensive chemicals on their adversaries. Here, a worker defends a food bait against an intruding Pheidole.
Kibale forest, Uganda
Crematogaster acrobat ants use their stingers in defense, but they don't pierce the integument of their opponents. Rather, the stinger serves as a brush for smearing defensive chemicals on their adversaries. Here, a worker defends a food bait against an intruding Pheidole.
Kibale forest, Uganda
Canon EOS 7D |
Original size: 3416x2277 |
Current: 800x534 |
