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Ant with fungus, SEM
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Ant with fungus, SEM
Ant with fungus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a leaf-cutter ant (Atta sexdens) with a piece of fungus. This ant cuts leaves from foliage and uses them to cultivate the fungus that is the colonys food source. The ants have specialised roles, such as forager, cutter, soldier, gardener. It is the gardeners that tend the fungal gardens in the ant nest. Magnification: x14 when printed 10cm wide
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Media ID 6460449
© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
False Colour Feeding Fungus Gardener Gardening Harvesting Caste False Coloured Morph
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate relationship between an ant and fungus in stunning detail. In this coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM), we see a leaf-cutter ant from the species Atta sexdens, delicately holding a piece of fungus. This ant is part of a highly organized colony where each member has specialized roles such as forager, cutter, soldier, and gardener. The leaf-cutter ants are known for their unique farming practices. They cut leaves from foliage and bring them back to the nest to cultivate the fungus that serves as their primary food source. It is fascinating to observe how these tiny creatures have developed such sophisticated techniques for sustaining themselves. In this image, we can appreciate the remarkable precision of nature's design. The magnification level allows us to explore every minute detail on both the ant and its fungal companion. The false colours applied enhance our understanding of this complex ecosystem by highlighting key features. Through this photograph, we gain insight into the world of these industrious gardeners who tend to their fungal gardens with utmost care. It reminds us that even within seemingly insignificant organisms lies an extraordinary web of life worth exploring and appreciating.
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