Ants: Who Looks After Injured In Colony?
A new study reveals that red ants perform surgery on injured colony members by amputating infected legs to prevent the spread of disease. This behavior is primarily performed by worker ants transitioning from indoor brood care to outdoor foraging duties.
Why it matters
This research provides unique insights into social insect behavior and the evolution of complex medical-like care within non-human animal societies.
Red ants amputate the injured legs of their fellow ants to minimise the risk of infection. A new study involving researchers from W rzburg shows that this task is primarily carried out by ants that switch from indoor to outdoor duties.
The article reports on scientific findings published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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