Desert ants cannot be fooled
Research shows desert ants can evaluate cue reliability, using unambiguous cues like odors to navigate. This ability helps them compensate for accumulated path integration errors while searching for food.
Ants
Articles tagged with Ants
Camponotini ant species have their own distinct microbiomes
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Camponotini ant species have distinct microbiomes, with some stages having unique bacterial populations. This suggests that the microbiome may play a role in shaping the ant's biology and adaptation to its environment.
'Zombie ant' brains left intact by fungal parasite
A study led by Penn State researchers found that a fungal parasite controls the behavior of carpenter ants without infecting their brains. The fungus surrounds and invades muscle fibers throughout the ant's body, forming a network to collectively control host behavior.
Biological clock found in fungal parasite sheds more light on 'zombie ants' phenomenon
A research team led by Charissa de Bekker found that the fungus has its own biological clock, which may be driving the timing of when it infects and manipulates the ants. The study reveals how the parasite controls the ants' behavior to spread its spores more effectively.
Strange undertakings: Ant queens bury dead to prevent disease
Ant queens perform 'undertaking behaviors' when co-founding a new colony with an infected queen, biting and burying the corpse to prevent pathogen transmission. This behavior is associated with a significant reduction in mortality among queens, suggesting that they have evolved complex strategies to limit disease transmission.
An algorithm that explains how ants create and repair trail networks
Researchers developed an algorithm based on ant trail networks, which adapts to changes in the environment and avoids taking the shortest path. The algorithm is inspired by how ants navigate through complex vegetation and repair broken trails using a 'greedy search' method.
Heat-loving Australian ants believe in diversity, hint 74 species new to science
Scientists have discovered 74 new species of 'furnace ants' in Australia, including a bizarre species with protruding eyes. The discovery reveals an incredible diversity within the Melophorus genus, which is estimated to have arisen around 35 million years ago.
Scientists show molecular basis for ants acting as 'bodyguards' for plants
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered two genes in ants that regulate foraging behavior and impact protection provided to plants. Activating these genes increases ant aggression against herbivores, reducing damage to trees.
Fire ant venom compounds may lead to skin treatments
Researchers found that fire ant venom compounds can reduce skin thickening and inflammation in a mouse model of psoriasis. The solenopsin analogs, similar to ceramides, can restore the skin's barrier function and decrease immune cell infiltration.
Lazy ants make themselves useful in unexpected ways
A study found that a significant portion of ants spend most of their time idle, serving as a reserve labor force. When the top workers are lost, these inactive ants increase their activity levels to replace them, ensuring colony survival.
Expanding tropical forest spells disaster for conservation
A North Carolina State University study reveals that fire suppression in Brazilian savannas leads to a loss of plant and ant species, with some species declining by up to 86%. The findings highlight the importance of fire in maintaining biodiversity in tropical savannas.
Scientists discover spring-loaded mechanism in unusual species of trap-jaw ant
Researchers have discovered a unique spring-loaded mechanism in the jaws of Myrmoteras ants, allowing them to capture springtails at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. The mechanism involves a trigger muscle and a lobe on the ant's head that compresses before releasing the jaws.
Scientists reveal how these ants snap their jaws shut in the blink of an eye
Scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History discovered that Myrmoteras ants' jaws work independently of other known ant species. The study revealed that the ants' predatory strike takes only half a millisecond and reaches speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour.
Profitable cooperation: Ants protect and fertilize plants
Researchers found that ant fecal droplets contain amino acids and urea, which are commercially used fertilizers. The study showed that visited trees had higher nitrogen content and larger crowns than untreated trees.
Say hello to the 3-D Obama ant
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have created 3D avatars of three new ant species named after key figures in African biodiversity conservation. The ants' virtual reconstructions allow for detailed study of their biology without damaging physical specimens.
Pheromone genes could dictate colony structure of the red fire ant
Research at Queen Mary University of London found that odorant binding proteins encoded by social chromosome genes determine red fire ant colony structure. These proteins may play a role in the production or perception of pheromones, influencing queen recognition and society organization.
Smells like queen spirit
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have identified specialized odorant receptors in social insects that detect cuticular hydrocarbon cues and candidate pheromones. The discovery provides new insight into the chemical communications systems used by eusocial insects, enabling workers to recognize queen and male ants.
Chemical profile of ants adapts rapidly
Researchers found that ant species with closely related genetic backgrounds can have significantly different chemical profiles, which can change faster than other traits during evolution. Climate also influences the composition of these profiles, with species from humid regions having distinct hydrocarbon patterns.
Mutant ants provide insights into social interaction
Researchers genetically engineered ants to lack their sense of smell, finding they couldn't communicate, forage or compete for queen status. This discovery promises to advance understanding of social communication and its relation to human disorders like autism and depression.
Gene-editing-induced changes in ant social communication
A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to genetically engineer Indian jumping ants, revealing the molecular basis of their social communication. The study found that mutations in specific genes affected ants' sense of smell and social behavior, with potential implications for human brain disorders.
First mutant ants shed light on evolution of social behavior
Researchers at Rockefeller University created genetically altered ants to explore the evolutionary roots of ant social behavior. The study found that a gene essential for sensing pheromones is crucial for pheromone detection and social organization, leading to behavioral abnormalities in mutant ants.
Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants
Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.
Ants dominate waste management in tropical rainforests
A University of Liverpool study found that ants are responsible for moving more than half of food resources from the rainforest floor. This role is crucial for nutrient redistribution and decomposition, maintaining a diverse and healthy soil environment.
Aardvarks' fate points to worrying consequences for wildlife, due to climate change
Researchers studying aardvarks in South Africa's Kalahari Desert found that the animals are highly susceptible to warmer and drier climates, leading to severe droughts and high mortality rates. The decline of aardvarks could have indirect consequences for other animals relying on their burrows.
In making decisions, are you an ant or a grasshopper?
A recent study found that people who tend to maximize their decisions, like ants preparing for winter, are more likely to have better financial habits and a forward-thinking approach. This challenges previous research that linked maximizing tendencies to negative outcomes such as stress and regret.
Ants build sinking Eiffel Towers when trying to escape
Fire ants construct bell-shaped structures that aid in their survival by evenly distributing weight among group members. The towers gradually sink due to constant movement, with the ants continually rebuilding and replacing their surface.
Decoding ants' coat of many odors
Researchers have characterized the function of ant receptors that identify odorant blends, revealing a more complex system than previously thought. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into ant social structure and communication, as well as effective methods for controlling insect populations.
Sweet bribes for ants are key to crops bearing fruit, study shows
Researchers found that flowering crops produce the greatest volume of sweetest nectar surrounding flowers to attract ants. This strategy allows plants to balance defense and reproduction while avoiding conflicts with pollinators.
Board game helps Mexican coffee farmers grasp complex ecological interactions
Researchers developed a chess-like board game, Azteca Chess, to educate small-scale Mexican coffee farmers about the insects and fungi living on their plants. The game's goal is for players to capture opponent tokens, illustrating key ecological interactions.
Birds of all feathers work together to hunt when army ants march
A Drexel University study reveals that birds of different species cooperate to access food sources by following army ant marches. Facilitation theory supports this behavior, where species help each other exploit shared resources.
Lizards may be overwhelmed by fire ants and social stress combined
A team of biologists studied lizards' reactions to fire ant exposure in socially stressful environments. Despite initial expectation that lizards would be stressed, they found lower baseline cortisol levels in those exposed to fire ants for two weeks.
Crazy for ant eggs
Scientists at Kyoto University discovered that yellow crazy ant workers produce two types of egg: reproductive and nutritional. The latter variety is fed to larvae and also used as a supplement for queens and other castes.
Using seaweed to kill invasive ants
Researchers at UC Riverside developed an inexpensive, biodegradable seaweed-based ant bait that reduced Argentine ant populations by 40-68% after four weeks. The hydrogel baits are highly absorbent and retain water to remain attractive to ants for extended periods.
Diverse populations make rational collective decisions
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.
'Princess pheromone' tells ants which larvae are destined to be queens
Researchers have identified a unique pheromone in Indian jumping ant larvae that signals which larvae are likely to become queens. The discovery reveals how the colony ensures proper caste differentiation and highlights the importance of pheromones in social insect behaviors.
The Radiohead ant: A new species of 'silky' ant grows fungus gardens for food
Scientists discover three new species of fungus-farming ants, including Sericomyrmex radioheadi, which grows a unique crystal-like layer on its body. This layer may play a role in protecting the ant's fungus garden from parasites.
Tarantulas use their lateral eyes to calculate distance
Researchers found that tarantulas primarily rely on their anterior lateral eyes to measure distances and navigate. By covering these eyes, the spiders have difficulty determining distance and can become disoriented. The study highlights the crucial role of the lateral eyes in a spider's ability to return to its burrow.
Ants rescue their injured
African Matabele ants have developed a unique rescue behavior where injured individuals are carried back to the nest and treated. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of social insects' investment in colony care.
Ant agricultural revolution began 30 million years ago in dry, desert-like climate
Ants cultivated and maintained vast subterranean farms producing fungi, dating back to 30 million years ago. These ancient agricultural ants have evolved complex societies, with crops dependent on ant farmers for survival.
Ant-plant symbioses: Adapting to changes in partner abundance
Researchers found that ant-plant symbioses break down at least 12 times over the past few million years, as plants adjust their host selection criteria based on altitude and potential tenants. Higher-altitude species tend to form domatia with larger access holes.
Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills
Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.
Convergent con artists: How rove beetles keep evolving into army ant parasites
This study reveals that rove beetles have evolved into army ant parasites multiple times, mimicking the ants' behavior and pheromone chemistry to gain acceptance. The discovery challenges Gould's hypothesis of convergent evolution, suggesting a predictable path for the interaction between these organisms.
Leaf-cutting ants learn to identify unsuitable plants from cues within the colony
Leaf-cutting ants can identify unsuitable plants for their fungus gardens based on colony waste cues, a study shows. Foraging ants avoided wasteful privet leaves after exposure to treated leaves' waste.
Species appears to evolve quickly enough to endure city temperatures
A new study found that acorn ants can evolve quickly enough to endure city temperatures, with some species adapting within 100 years. The ants' ability to adjust suggests they may be able to cope with other sources of warming, such as climate change.
Ants stomp, termites tiptoe: Predator detection by a cryptic prey
Researchers discovered termites can detect predatory ants through subtle substrate vibrations, allowing them to evade danger. This unique ability could lead to advances in technologies based on acoustic signatures and potentially revolutionize pest control methods.
Scientists explore the evolution of a 'social supergene' in the red fire ant
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found that a chromosome responsible for the social organization of colonies is likely to have evolved through a single genetic event. The study reveals that a 'supergene' region containing over 500 genes plays a crucial role in determining colony type and social organization.
Pest ant control improved with water-resistant bait
A new water-resistant ant bait has been shown to offer significant advantages over existing baits in controlling invasive species such as the red imported fire ant. The bait's ability to withstand moisture makes it an effective tool for managing pest ants, especially in humid environments.
Same behavior outdoors and in the lab
Desert ants have an internal navigation system that allows them to measure distance by recording steps taken and orient themselves using the sun. In a lab experiment, researchers created a spherical treadmill for the ants to navigate on, showing high precision in their navigation skills.
Robbed of royalty: Mutilation and social determination of female Diacamma ants
A study on female Diacamma ants reveals that gene expression patterns primarily determine caste differentiation in nutrition-related genes. The research found that only a small number of genes differentiate the reproductive and worker castes, supporting the idea that increased energy requirement may drive eusociality evolution.
New antibiotic from bacteria found on Kenyan ant could help beat MRSA
Researchers have discovered a new, potent antibiotic against MRSA and VRE bacteria. The formicamycins produced by Streptomyces formicae isolated from an African plant-ant show promising activity in early tests.
Newly discovered beetle species catches a ride on the back of army ants
A newly discovered beetle species, Nymphister kronaueri, has been found to hitch a ride on the back of army ants as a means of transportation. The beetle uses its strong mandibles to anchor itself tightly to the ant's body, mimicking the shape and appearance of the ant's abdomen.
Rarely seen event of ant brood parasitism by scuttle flies video-documented
Scientists have video-documented two types of brood parasitism by scuttle flies, attacking immature ants in Brazil and Costa Rica. The observation reveals that these behaviors may not be as rare as previously thought, offering a glimpse into the remarkable behaviors of phorid flies.
Wasps, ants, and Ani DiFranco
A University of California, Riverside graduate student has discovered several new species of wasps that feed on ants, including one named after musician Ani DiFranco. These wasps have a unique association with extrafloral nectaries and can potentially control invasive ant populations.
Ants find their way even while traveling backward
Researchers found that ants can decouple their direction of travel from their body orientation, maintaining a northerly direction by going forward or backward. This challenges the notion of simple stimulus-response behaviors in insects.
Ants use sun and memories to guide their backwards walk home
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that ants walking backwards use the sun's position and visual memories to set a course relative to the sun. This flexible navigational behavior could inspire novel computer algorithms for guiding robots.
133 new species described by the California Academy of Sciences in 2016
The California Academy of Sciences has added 133 new plant and animal species to the world's family tree, including a deep-sea fish, sharks, ants, beetles, birds, and coral. These discoveries were made by over a dozen scientists and collaborators across five continents and three oceans.
Stabilizing evolutionary forces keep ants strong
Researchers found evidence of stabilizing selection that maintains functional characteristics in ant populations. The study revealed significant genetic differences and limited gene flow among ant populations, suggesting that natural selection acts on important traits while less critical traits diversify over time.
HSE researchers uncover why morning people should not work at night
Researchers found that morning people are faster at solving attention-related tasks, but make more mistakes. In contrast, evening people are slower but more accurate in completing similar tasks, suggesting a trade-off between speed and accuracy with sleep deprivation.
Ants communicate by mouth-to-mouth fluid exchange
Researchers discovered that ants share proteins and hormones through trophallaxis, allowing them to collectively influence colony growth and development. This process enables ants to cast 'quantitative ballots' for their colony's future by administering different amounts of growth-promoting components to their larvae.
New dominant ant species discovered in Ethiopia shows potential for global invasion
Scientists have discovered a new dominant ant species in Ethiopia displaying signs of supercolony formation, expanding rapidly into disturbed habitats and potentially posing a global threat. The species, Lepisiota canescens, exhibits characteristics reminiscent of invasive species, including high densities and ecological dominance.