Myrmicinae Collection

Leaf-cutter ants carrying pieces of leaf
Leaf-cutter ants transporting neatly extracted pieces of leaf. These ants derive from the rainforests of Central and South America

Fire ant
Watercolour 405 by the Port Jackson Painter, entitled Mong, from the Watling Collection

Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum) adults, workers with large larvae in nest, Causse de Gramat, Massif Central, Lot Region, France, April

Common Elbowed Red Ant (Myrmica scabrinodis) adult, worker with larvae of varying sizes in nest, Powys, Wales, April

Harvester Ant (Messor bouvieri) adult, median worker carrying seed back to nest, Montagne de la Clape, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, May

Mediterranean Dimorphic Ant (Pheidole pallidula) adults, workers tending larvae and eggs in nest, Ile St. Martin, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, May

Atta cethalotes, leaf-cutter ant
Scanning electron microscope image of a leaf-cutter ant displayed in the Darwin Centre, at the Natural History Museum, London

Harvester Ant (Messor bouvieri) spoil heap of seed husks and other rubbish outside nest entrance, Chaine des Alpilles, Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence, France, June

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"Myrmicinae: A Fascinating World of Ants" In the bustling world of Myrmicinae, leaf-cutter ants tirelessly march, carrying pieces of leaves that tower over their tiny bodies. These industrious creatures are nature's gardeners, meticulously collecting foliage to cultivate their fungal gardens deep within the earth. Meanwhile, fire ants scurry across the ground with fiery determination. Their venomous sting serves as a fierce defense mechanism against any threat to their colony. These resilient insects have adapted to thrive in various habitats worldwide. On the pavements of Causse de Gramat in Massif Central, pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) diligently tend to their large larvae nestled within intricate nests. The workers display unwavering dedication as they nurture and protect the future generation. Venturing into Montagne de la Clape in Aude reveals harvester ants (Messor bouvieri), minor workers dutifully transporting seeds back to their nest. These diligent foragers ensure a bountiful food supply for their thriving community. In Powys, Wales, common elbowed red ants (Myrmica scabrinodis) showcase remarkable teamwork as they move larvae of varying sizes within their nest. This coordinated effort ensures proper care and development for each individual ant. The Mediterranean dimorphic ant (Pheidole pallidula) exhibits intriguing behavior on Ile St. , where large-headed workers chew seeds to nourish their colony. Meanwhile, other members tend to sizable larvae and eggs with utmost care and devotion. Not far away in Chaine des Alpilles lies another marvel - Atta cethalotes or leaf-cutter ants create spoil heaps outside their entrances consisting of discarded seed husks and debris from excavating tunnels underground. Their tireless work ethic is awe-inspiring. From tending larval stages to gathering resources essential for survival, these diverse species exemplify the intricate social structures and remarkable adaptability of Myrmicinae.