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Thaumatomyrmex atrox
Venezuela

photograph © Alex Wild 2008
 
The pitchfork jaws of Thaumatomyrmex atrox defied explanation until, in 1991, Brazilian entomologists discovered their function.  The impressive tongs help the ant grasp its porcupine-like prey, polyxenid millipedes.
Venezuela, Aragua:
Parque Nacional Henri Pittier
viii.2008

This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS D60 using a Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens.