A sizable and lovely paper wasp (Polistes sp.) from Panama.
Much like how they "farm" aphids, these ants (Ectatomma sp.) from Panama are protecting this well-camouflaged metalmark butterfly caterpillar (Riodinidae, possibly Thisbe sp.) in exchange for nutritious secretions, but these guys take it a step further. This family of caterpillars have evolved special organs over time to produce food for - and deliver chemical cues to - their ant bodyguards. Crazier yet, these "drumming caterpillars" have a unique set of appendages that are thought to attract ants by making their host plant vibrate.
Nocturnal bee (Megalopta sp.) from Panama.
