22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Sugar Suckers
The giant forest ant which can be found throughout tropical South-East Asia, is one of the biggest ants on earth. Despite their size they obtain about 90% of their food from Hemipterans in form of honeydew. By stroking the planthopper with their antennae the ants stimulate it to release the high energy food, in return the ants may offer the planthopper protection from predators and parasites.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 07.2019 |
Date Uploaded: | 12.2024 |
Photo Location: | Kuching, Malaysia |
Camera: | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV |
Copyright: | © Bernhard Schubert |