Scanning electron micrograph (SEM),tinted orange,of the head of a black garden ant Lasius niger,an infertile female worker. This species lives under flat stones at the edges of lawns & paths,feeding on caterpillars,earwigs,woodlice & other ants. It has a close relationship with Aphis fabae,the broad bean aphid,which it strokes with its antennae to make it discharge a drop of honeydew,additional nourishment for the ant. In return the ant protects the aphid by removing nearby eggs of predators such as ladybirds & lacewings. It is a formicine ant,which means that it squirts a jet of corrosive formic acid at attackers. Magnificat- ion: X 20 at 35mm size. Original is BW print Z345/050 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 3591 px × 4948 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |