Creepy Crawlies

Creepy Crawlies

Leafcutter Ant

Leafcutter ants got their name because they cut out pieces of leaves and take them back to their nest. The ants can’t eat the leaves, but they use them to grow a fungus that they can digest.

Army Ants

Army ants live in Central and South America and are known for being very fierce and aggressive. These army ants are carrying their young (called larvae) in their jaws to transfer them to a new nest.

Milking the Aphids

The honeypot ants in this photo are taking care of tiny insects called aphids. These ants will “milk” the aphids to produce a sweet liquid, called honeydew, which the ants then eat.

Ladybug

Ladybird beetles, also called ladybugs, are orange with black dots. Farmers prize ladybugs because they feed on aphids and other insects that damage crops.

Stag Beetles

Male stag beetles have large jaws that resemble deer antlers. They use these powerful jaws to defend their territories from rival males.

Colorful Leaf Beetle

The dazzling purple color of this leaf beetle helps it blend in with the brightly colored plants found in tropical rain forests. By blending in, the beetle can hide from its enemies.