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Oecophylla longinoda - Weaver Ant, Tailor Ant
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

photograph © Alex Wild 2008

Strong backlighting in this photograph allows a crystal-clear view of the ant's tracheal system, visible as dark canals running through the body. These connect to the outside air in a series of circular spiracles.  Tracheae are essentially the lungs of the insect, channeling oxygen to the respiring cells and carrying away carbon dioxide. 

Republic of South Africa: 
Kwazulu-Natal, St. Lucia
4.vii.2008 28º21.8'S 32º25.1'E, 30m
Rainforest edge, arboreal leaf/silk nest.
voucher specimen deposited at ALWC

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 20D using a Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens.