Weaver ants (scientific name Oecophylla smaragdina) are common in the mangrove forest I visit for macro shots. They make nests in trees. I often find them on the Sea Hibiscus because this tree secretes nectar through its leaves to attract them. These ants are very aggressive and territorial, and they will "protect" the tree from leaf eaters and other insects.
I like shooting these ants because they are photogenic. But their bites are nasty and painful (and they spray an acidic substance too) so I avoid them when I see them in a group. I only shoot them if there are just one or two on a leaf, and I make sure no part of me touches the leaf. I do not want to be attacked!
Great macro of these nasty little creatures. They sound very much like the Green Ants we have in our tropical areas in this country that have much the same effect on humans.
wow.. can really see their pincers.. thought of you today as I was shooting lupines and spotted a spider... kudos to you and the great job you do!!! thanks so much for sharing..!
@bluefirebucket Unlikely to get killed, haha, but getting bitten is a possibility. I've seen snakes and spiders that look scary. I steer clear of them. Also, I have a hands-off policy. I never touch anything I see or shoot, even if it looks cute or harmless. I know there are insects here that cause contact dermatitis, you can get a really bad rash (that lasts for weeks) just through physical contact, and I don't want to risk it. My greatest enemy is probably myself. When I don't watch my posture (and sometimes I have to squat or kneel or bend over at an odd angle to get the shot), I get lower back pain after one of my trips to the park or mangrove forest. 8P
Great work - love the light and the detail of this shot! I agree with Howard Steeler - you should work for National Geography. I guess these tiny creatures would not survive without a healthy arsenal of weapons - but you are right to take care.
Wow!! Livia, you are so very talented in taking critter shots!! Oh and your flowers are spectacular! I would have thought these were carpenter ants....thanks for the info!!
Great shot. Thats incredible. Guess one wouldn't want to fall into a colony of them then. And with this photo, I've finally caught up with one of my favorite people on 365. I know I'm just a small speck in the land of yearly photos, but wanted to say thanks for sticking with me Livia. :) Appreciate it. Now I have to catch up with some anime. ;)
A great, big, not-too-sappy, just-sweet-enough "THANK YOU!" to everyone for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by! I am grateful, and I appreciate your comments. Thank you! 8)
Where do you live?
Lucky you!
(also, the ants look beautiful; yes, they are photogenic)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2111013/Antsy-fantasy-Russian-photographer-creates-fairytale-world-obliging-insects.html