Structures on the Antenna of a Dacetine Ant

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Created 4/6/2004 5:00:00 AM

The structures at upper left and lower right in this ESEM image are found on the antennae of a tiny ant that is less than one millimeter in length. They are thought to be olfactory or secretory organs involved in obtaining food. Dacetine ants exude pheromones in order to attract spring tails, their prey of choice.

Credits

• Mark Bee , ITG, Beckman Institute
• James B. Nardi , Department of Entomology, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences