weird and wonderful amazonian wildlife

Next to humans, leafcutter ants form the largest and most complex animal societies on Earth. Their underground nests can grow to more than 30 m (98 ft) across, with smaller mounds extending out to a radius of 80 m (260 ft), and containing as many as?eight million individuals.

The fer de lance (French for spearhead) is one of the largest and most deadly snakes in Central and South America. Its excitable, unpredictable and strikes very, very fast.

The official mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is a three-banded armadillo named Fuleco. His animal?namesakes are a vulnerable species, and the choice of mascot reflects environmental concerns and the importance of ecology.

The giant river otter (pups pictured above) can grow to a massive six feet (1.8 metres) in length, and can weigh 70 pounds (31 kilograms) or more. Due to their size and speed they're also known as the 'river wolf' and, sadly, they're currently an endangered species.

The payara, also known as the vampire fish, has two long fangs protruding from its lower jaw. It uses these to impale smaller fish which it then consumes.