
Dolichoderus attelaboides, Finca Heimatlos, Ecuador
A long slender ant from the Dolichoderus genus, which typically have large colonies. Most species in this genus tap honeydew from other insects.
Note the powdery crystal-like coating on the head and thorax. This is found in many ants and serves to reinforce the exoskeleton. It's a mineral produced by the ant itself, hence the term "Biomineral armor". In case you want to geek out:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19566-3

"Dolichoderus attelaboides" is a species of ant in the genus "Dolichoderus". Described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775, the species is endemic in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
comments (2)