I found this winged queen surrounded by dozens of workers at the base of a tree. I wish I would have stayed and watched how this played out. Some workers were threatening while others seemed to be feeding her. After one ant nipped at her, another nipped at that ant. Did the established colony take in this young queen? When I returned a short time later, they were gone? So many questions...
#Formicidae #SriLanka #Ants #Insects #InsectInteraction #Oecophylla #smaragdina #Photography #Nature
A green tree ant stands guard on a leaf nest. Oecophylla smaragdina. These little guys are everywhere in the humid tropics of southeast Asia and Australia and have a lemony flavor. Cairns.
An Oecophylla smaragdina weaver ant hangs from the bottom of her nest, alert to any photographers that might try anything brash.
Cape Tribulation, Queensland, Australia.
What these friendly guys? Ok, so not the same, but closely related Asian weaver ants. These ants are bold and a bit crazy. I've had one jump from a tree and land on my leg where it buried its mandibles. I've really enjoyed getting to know these ants. They have such big personalities! I have also seen one jump a tiny gap chasing a spider. I wish I would have been filming to know for sure.
#Tetraponera #rufonigra #Oecophylla #smaragdina #Ants #Formicidae #SriLanka #InsectInteraction
Seems appropriate at the moment.
This Large Oakblue caterpillar being tended by its Weaver ant overlords.
This photo won me my first weaver ant battle scar. ...not my caterpillar clearly
#Arhopala #amantes #Oecophylla #smaragdina #SriLanka #Insects #Arthropods #Lepidoptera #Ants #Formicidae #InsectInteraction
Asian Weaver Ants tending a Lycaenid caterpillar (Tailless Line Blue perhaps)
This is the best I could do with the MP-E. These ladies don't appreciate visitors and it was a breezy day.
I will have to try to find more of these with a wider lens. Any suggestions on good cheap wide angle macro for R mounts?
#SriLanka #Ants #Formicidae #Oecophylla #smaragdina
#Butterfly #Lycaenidae #Prosotas #dubiosa #Insect #InsectInteraction
Found this poor queen Weaver ant in my laundry room half baked and totally dehydrated. She couldn't move her middle set of legs when I found her. First picture is before giving her water and second is after. I doubt she will successfully mate, but now she at least has a chance.
#Ants #Formicidae #SriLanka #NeverHomeAlone #Oecophylla #smaragdina
Ben S
Alex Wild