Driver ants are a very impressive component of the African entomofauna. They are noteworthy predators but may also be the prey of a range of organisms, from birds to apes. Although it is well known that reptiles sometimes feed on driver ants, the observation is rarely reported in the literature, and species even more rarely identified. A colleague of mine recently observed the lizard Agama agama taking great delight in eating some Dorylus ants. I am curious to know if someone else has already observed such behaviour. I thank you for your help.
Being since 44 years in Africa I have seen several times agamas catching ants, Most were unidentified small species. Once it were Camponotus ants. Once it were Dorylus ants. This was in Minkébé NP in northeastern Gabon in november 2012. The agama was very cautious however, and after each catch it went about half a metre back.
Jean P Vande weghe
Hi Thibaut,
Nice question ;-)
On a another aspect, I am just returned from the Tai NP where I saw one Reduvidae catching with its proboscis one ant from a trail of Dorylus.
I will give you more detail if needed by email.
Best
Hi Yves,
Of course I would love more details!
About predation by Reduviidae on ants, you can watch something quite fantastic at http://www.arkive.org/feather-legged-assassin-bug/ptilocnemus-lemur/video-00.html
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