parasitism
sb admin | April 10, 2009In Argentina, an ant-decapitating fly (Pseudacteon sp.) attempts to separate a fire ant (Solenopsis sp.) from her nestmates:
More photos- and the story behind them- below.
An ant burdened with prey is the easiest target of all:
The ants aren't defenseless. The classic "run-and-hide" works well enough:
What's the deal with the dreaded Ant-Decapitating Flies? The University of Texas Fire Ant Project explains:
"Female phorid flies are attracted to fire ants swarming over a disturbed mound or foraging along a trail to food. They hover over ants looking for a preferred individual. (Each…