A leafcutter ant's tireless work
BEARING A DOUBLE BURDEN of leaf and passenger, a leafcutter ant in Costa Rica carries its load back to its colony, where the leaf will feed fungi that feed the ants’ larvae. Because leafcutters are active at night, photographer Bence Máté used flashes to capture the “artistic character” of these “tireless little creatures.” Following them for hours at a stretch, Máté was amazed to see the ants carry their chunks of leaves or flowers for hundreds of yards. “I love the contrast between the simplicity of this shot and the complexity of their behavior,” he says.
Nature's Witnesses »
NWF Wildlife Guide: Ants »
The Life of Ants in Your Garden »
Ranger Rick's Ants »
See Last Issue's Shared Moment »
Sign Up for Updates
Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place.
Learn More
A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs.
Read MoreMore than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. test
PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583
800.822.9919
Share
