parasitism

Slow Death from the Skies: Phorids and Ants (part 1)

sb admin | April 10, 2009

In 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…