#camponotus

it's everyone's favorite hot topic ant, Camponotus cruentatus. on top of their conspicuous coloration and enormous size, these things like hanging out on common plants like gorse and fennel out in the open, making them very easy to spot. they're not very fond of getting their picture taken, though

Carpenter ants are like puppies. I give them moss because they like to cut it up into little pieces for no reason. I can't explain why they always shred the moss and the more I watch them I think it's just for the sheer joy of being a creature with mandibles and the joy of the BITE.

The moss is real, but stained with green insect-safe dye. In a few days there will be nothing but green flecks in the soil. I think they enjoy this "activity" everyone is involved!

hello my dears... cool looking worker ant today

ive started photographing more ants recently because i realised that. although we dont really pay attention to them cuz theyre everywhere and more of an annoyance to most people... they do come in some really interesting colours!

this female had pale hairs and faint gold stripes on her abdomen. she comes from the subgenus (Tanaemyrmex)

i do have a few more photos of funky looking ants so do let me know if youre interested in seeing them. i have one that looks like it has gordon ramsay's forehead wrinkles. i like that one. im not sure how much bugblr cares for ants though

I was checking in on Betty's colony to see what they were up to and what the fuck is that that I see?! A queen??? BETTY????

Also her nest is STOCKED on pupa.

make way for the medics!

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area - Riverwoods, IL - May 31st 2024