Reflective Saharan Silver Ant Hairs Thermoregulate, Create Bright Color (1 of 3) (IMAGE)

PLOS

Reflective Saharan Silver Ant Hairs Thermoregulate, Create Bright Color (1 of 3)

Caption

This is the silver ant Cataglyphis bombycina. Colonies contain a caste of spindly workers and a caste of soldiers with large heads and saber-shaped mandibles. (a) In full sunlight, workers and soldiers show a metallic sheen that justifies the vernacular name of the species. (b,c) The hairs covering the dorsal side of the workers' head, thorax (b) and abdomen (c) follow the cuticle's curvatures.

Credit

P. Landmann, Willot et al.

Usage Restrictions

All figures and photographic images will be published under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CCAL), which allows them to be freely used, distributed, and built upon as long as proper attribution is given.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.