This striking image from BBSRC-funded Thomas Endleinshows an Asian Weaver ant, upside down on a smooth surface, and carrying a weight in its jaws.
Asian Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina)
can carry weights of more than 100 times their own body weight whilst upside down on a smooth surface. To do this, they have incredibly sticky pads on their feet.
Along with their extraordinary carrying capabilities weaver ants are also known for their territorial tendency. They readily defend against intruders making them a useful tool in controlling agricultural insect pests, avoiding the need for chemical insecticides.They have traditionally been used in this way in Chinese and Southeast Asian citrus orchards for at least 1,500 years.
This striking异乎寻常的 image from BBSRC-funded Thomas Endleinshows an Asian Weaver ant,亚洲织叶蚁 upside down on a smooth surface, and carrying a weight in its jaws颌;【机】爪;叉头;夹片.