This carton nest is very conspicuousin nature. Its built by the Azteca ants, which are sheer agressive. They are known by the interaction with Cecropia trees, that they defend. Its not a very easy task to collect some nests. As a myrmecologist, I must do some activities like that, not so pleasuring!
Myrmecia rubripesThis ant came out with 5 others and stood still watching us. The others rushed around toward us but when we didn't respond or go away, they retreated back down the nest. This one stood still for a very long time and let me get close for some photos while Fred kept watch on the others.
Wood Ants travel impressive distances to harvest food. In this case a steady trail of workers maintain a conveyor belt food line approx 25 metres long across the forest floor. They arrive at the base of a pine tree where they continue another 30 - 40 feet vertically in to the canopy. Here they seek out Aphids that gather close to the base of pine needles. They "milk" the aphids for honey dew then make the descent and long journey back to the colony laden with food.