Back to photostream

Green Tree Ant

The transparent orange/green ants can glow in the sun like little gems. Their complex social behaviour and ability to combine forces (literally) in order to pull large leaves together to weave a nest is awe inspiring.

 

This major worker usues all its body language to make clear that it will defend what’s behind it by all means. The raised green abdomes, the wide stance, and the fully open jaws leave no room for misunderstanding. Behind it seemed to have been a kind of transfer station where something is passed mouth to mouth to the workers dedicated to a new nest project.

 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Formicidae

Genus: Oecophylla

Species: Oecophylla smaragdina

Common names: Green ant, Green tree ant, Weaver ant

 

Better on black and in high resolution!

 

Commercial users please contact the photographer for high resolution originals or prints (quick and easy on-line payment and delivery available).

2,839 views
11 faves
12 comments
Uploaded on July 17, 2010
Taken on July 13, 2010