Macro photograph of a wrinkled, rugged black ant in side view, walking on moss.
Most entomologists know of "Pogos" as dominant, large desert seed-harvesting ants. But some of the older lineages in the genus are tropical humid forest inhabitants. Here's Pogonomyrmex striatinodus, from the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Check out my latest paper!
I have written a 🧵on this paper: bsky.app/profile/chjo...
I’d add in Harpegnathos and Pseudomyrmex as curious and visual.
Oh, goodness. 😵💫
YES
Ants and plants are both dominant, abundant forms of life on our planet. It's entirely fitting that evolution has repeatedly intertwined their biology.
Here's a gallery of plant-ants, and ant-plants:
The ant should be Brachymyrmex sp.! Good luck on the beetle!
This is one of my favorite shots of yours! Simple but immersive.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
As someone who lost a loved one during finals one semester — thank you. It was disturbing to have to provide evidence of their death to my professors, and I regret not being able to attend his service.
Image of Cephalotes varians workers and a soldier nestled in their twig nest. Image via https://stevenwang.smugmug.com/Ants/List-of-Genera/Cephalotes/i-CjXZ3b9
Thrilled to share that @corriemoreau.bsky.social and I have a new paper out in Evolution, digging into the varied ways that extreme worker plasticity impacts genome evolution in turtle ants!
Paper 📃: doi.org/10.1093/evol...
Image 📸: Steven Wang, tinyurl.com/2rbjbyjh
Exactly my thoughts as well. There exists a problem, but I’m unconvinced that this is a good solution.
Long term projects are hard to consistently fund and support; I’ve envisioned an NSF program with reporting reqs. that would provide guaranteed support for up to 25 years. Each applicant may receive only one competitive award to set up a long term project. After every 5 years, publish an update.
Disinformation presaging a coup: a metaphor from ants.
I was proud to contribute to this incredible exhibition. Don’t miss it if you’re in Connecticut or nearby!
Yes!
I’m in Portal too — will try to link up with y’all sometime in the next few days!
I have always dreamed of seeing Jurassic Park in concert. Life found a way as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra perfectly executed John Williams’ soundtrack. Jurassic Park encompasses much of what fuels my work — discovery, nature, science, and even risk management and environmental policy.
🦖🦕🦟🔬🧬
That’s really disappointing — I had been considering starting one in February. The search continues…
It is very easy to call your representatives’ offices. They have to log your calls and the call numbers are meaningful. You don’t even have to try to convince anyone; just call and tell them your concerns. They are there to represent you. Let them know what that means. www.usa.gov/elected-offi...
Welcome to all my new followers! I’m happy to share that I’ve graduated with my MS and excited to start posting more about my work with ants and in science education, public policy, and developing cool museum exhibits! Have a project idea? Shoot me a DM. 🐜🌵🦋
Ants in the tribe Attini are known for growing fungal "gardens" in their nests, and they also harbor a bacteria and other microbes to protect them from unwanted, disease-causing fungi. A new research review suggests this intricate microbiome could offer tools to fight agricultural or human diseases.
Nice to wake up to a feature by the @floridamuseum.bsky.social! 🐜🦋🌿
Time to populate my feed with ants now. Saw these lanky and colorful trapjaws recently.
Odontomachus hastatus
OTS La Selva, Heredia, CR.
🙋🏼♂️🐜
