Incredible ANT-ics! Close-up photography shows the amazing strength of these tiny insects



Rarely have ants been captured on film in such a way that demonstrates their incredible relative strength and balance.

These fascinating close-up shots even appear to capture the character of each ant, as it 'performs' for the camera.

The incredible stunts range from balancing giant seed pods from a Mimosa tree above their heads to dramatically clinging on to each other in diamond formation on a tiny plant.

Show of strength: The ants demonstrate their power by balancing giant seed pods from a Mimosa tree above their heads

The stunning snaps were taken by keen photographer Eko Adiyanto, from West Java, who used a special macro technique to get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures

And in an amazing show of strength they even move into different gravity-defying shapes as they carry their food back to the nest for the rest of their colony.

The stunning snaps were taken by keen photographer Eko Adiyanto, 40, who used a special macro technique to get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures.

Eko, from West Java, Indonesia, said: 'The ants are so small and to see how much power they have in their tiny bodies is fascinating.

'There are a lot of insects roaming around near my house and I find it really interesting. I use macro photography to find out more about what they do.

Photographer Eko said the results are 'amazing, especially when the red ants appear to perform tricks' like this for the camera which are unseen to the naked eye

The stunts include dramatically clinging on to each other in diamond formation on a tiny plant

'It's quite a difficult process but the results are good - and because it's difficult, when I get a good shot it's that much more satisfying.'

Eko said this unique perspective of the humble ant can only be captured in macro format and it requires 'a lot of patience, tenacity and high spirit because it can take a long time'.

He said: #But the results are amazing, especially when the red ants appear to perform tricks like this for the camera which are unseen to the naked eye.

Helping hand: 'The balance and strength is remarkable and something I will always remember,' said Eko

Eko, 40, used a special macro technique to get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures

'The balance and strength is remarkable and something I will always remember.'

Red ants live in colonies where each has their own role as either worker, drone or queen. The colony is so important they would sacrifice themselves to protect their home.