Myrmecocystus mexicanus worker dissected out of cocoon
just prior to emergence. Note delicate exoskeleton.
M. mexicanus replete. This large, swollen, storage
ant developed from a worker given colored sugar water.
M. mexicanus semi-replete. This worker was fed
colored sugar water and represents a stage in the formation of a replete.
Two M. mexicanus workers exchanging colored sugar water in a
laboratory colony. This exchange called trophallaxis leads to some
workers becoming repletes.
Emergence of M. mexicanus winged queens and smaller, darker,
winged males from a nest entrance prior to the nuptial flight.
In 1987, I studied three other honey ants (Camponotus inflatus,
Melophorus
bagoti, Plagiolepis sp.) in the Australian Outback. I also investigated the dietary and cultural
significance of honey ants in the lives of aboriginal people.
Australian Aboriginal mother and son digging honey ants
(C. inflatus) near Alice Springs, Australia. Note repletes
in white container.
Australian Aboriginal boy (Chungala) eating a C. inflatus replete.
These ants are considered a sweet delicacy by Aboriginal people.
Two C. inflatus repletes excavated from an Australian honey ant
nest.
While on sabbatical in 1992, 1 began research on the western thatching ant (Formica obscuripes) in
the Colorado Rockies. This work subsequently involved four University of Scranton students who
received Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Grants and/or Summer Stipends.
Student researcher mapping nests and trails at study site near Soap Creek, Colorado at 8400'.
Mound nest of thatching ant, Formica obscuripes.
Formica obscuripes workers on mound.
Dr. Conway excavating nest of Formica obscuripes.
Formica obscuripes workers tending aphids on stinging nettles.
Formica obscuripes workers tending aphids on aspen tree.
Formica obscuripes workers tending aphids on Douglas fir.
