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These rare species of ants, Cephalotes varians, better known as the turtle ant has tank-like workers with heavily sclerotized head shields. They inhabit pre-existing cavities in trees and branches, a limiting resource that spurs intense competition among colonies of various tree-dwelling species. Turtle ants aren't fighters. Rather, they're all about defense. If a colony gets hold of an old beetle burrow, the heavily armored majors will plug the entrance with their head shield and sit tight, budging only to let their nest mates pass. They are literally living doors.
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