myrmecos.net

Pseudacteon sp. Ant-Decapitating Fly
& Solenopsis macdonaghi Fire Ant
Entre Rios, Argentina

photograph © Alex Wild 2009

An incoming ant-decapitating fly sends fire ants ducking for cover.  Although phorid flies can kill ants directly, the flies' largest impact might be indirect.  Ants are unable to forage as effectively when the flies are present.  

Argentina, Entre Rios: 
Parque Nacional El Palmar
31º51.8'S 58º13.8'W 20m
26.iii.2009 Riparian Forest.
Flies attack foraging column of ants, 1600hr.

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 65/2.8 MPE 1-5x Macro lens.