A textbook image I did a few years ago showing a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus rixosus) with her mandibles held open and trigger hairs forward, and then in the closed position.
The snapping shut of the trap is one of the fastest measured animal movements.
#Ants #Entomology #Insects #Odontomachus
And now for something different. This is one of the trap-jaw ants. If you know which one, please let me know. Several months ago, we had major rain and wind storms damaging lots of trees. I found this colony under a broken branch that has started settling into the dirt. After snapping a couple of pictures, I gently placed the branch back where it was. It must be quite stressful for them.
#Formicidae #Odontomachus #haematodus #Ants #Insects #SriLanka #Photography #Macro
You lost buddy?
This trap jaw ant kindly requests to see your invitation.
#Ants #Formicidae #Colombia #Insects #Arthropods #Odontomachus #erythrocephalus
A gallery of Odontomachus from around the world. These are perhaps the most conspicuous of trap-jaw ants.
#Insects #Photography #Ants #Odontomachus
https://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants/Taxonomic-List-of-Ant-Genera/Odontomachus
Trap-jaw ants, whose mouths are like walking bear-traps and whose abdomens bear a wasp-like sting, have a fearsome reputation. But away from their nests they are really quite timid. This one hid under a leaf hoping I wouldn't notice it.
(Odontomachus bauri, Puerto Rico)
Alex Wild
Ben S