Turtle Ant
Cephalotes atratus
Turtle ants live high in tropical forest canopies, nesting in cavities in dead twigs and branches. Workers collect nectar, honeydew, and other small food items while moving along bark and foliage. Their flattened, heavily armored bodies help protect them in tight nest entrances and among rough branches. When knocked from vegetation, many Cephalotes ants can steer their descent to glide back toward a tree trunk.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Turtle Ant