Editorial photo #12561857 Human Interest

Asian Weaver Ants Attack - Oecophylla Smaragdina - Common Castor Butterfly Larvae - Ariadne Merione Cramer - Animal India

A live Common Castor butterfly (Ariadne merione) caterpillar, considered a pest of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), is attacked and held by Asian weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) in a forest in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 17, 2025. Weaver ants are highly territorial and often use group attacks to defend their territory and capture larger prey. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #12561857
Date taken: 17 July 2025
Location: —
Photographer: Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
Category: Human Interest

Related keywords

Common Castor butterfly Ariadne merione caterpillar pest castor plant Ricinus communis Asian weaver ants Oecophylla smaragdina forest Tehatta West Bengal India July 17 2025 weaver ants territorial group attacks defend territory capture prey Soumyabrata Roy NurPhoto live caterpillar attacked held pest control ant behavior insect interaction predation ecological dynamics biodiversity ecosystem natural habitat insect defense.