Even men flee as the mighty column writhes through the jungle, wiping out all insect and animal life in its path. Like generals, colonels, and captains at intervals in this line of destroyers (Eciton hamatum) march the biggest ants with such long, sharp-pointed hooks for jaws that they have to hold their heads up. With the army come camp followers - guests and parasites superficially resembling ants. Just this side of the twig that serves as a bridge is a beetle. Nearer, in line with the head of the caterpillar, which has been bitten and stung to death, creeps a masquerading wasp. The hovering fly is believed to lay eggs and larvae on the heads of ants, the grubs then killing the hosts. Painting by Hashime Murayama