Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. One Iberian harvester ant queen gave birth to two different species: an Iberian harvester male (left) and a Messor structor male. ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The parasitic queen (Lasius orientalis) accepted by the host workers (Lasius flavus) shortly after matricide was committed. Takku ...

Entomologist Jessica Purcell calls the learned behavior “a new height of exploitation” Getty Parasitic queen ants infiltrate rival ant colonies and trigger workers to kill their own queen The takeover ...

Scientists have uncovered a shocking tactic used by parasitic ant queens. These invaders infiltrate existing nests and manipulate worker ants. Using a chemical disguise, they gain entry. Then, they ...

Ant species that evolved thinner shells traded individual armor protection for increases in colony size, enabling improved food gathering, task organization and defense, according to researchers from ...

When worker ants inspect the pupae and encounter the scent, they get busy unpacking the cocoon and creating small openings in the pupae's body by biting it. Next, they disinfect the pupae with formic ...

The behavior prevents fungal pathogens from spreading through the colony Researchers call it "altruistic disease signaling" that protects the ant superorganism In a rare example of biological altruism ...

Scientists studying the way ant colonies defend against disease have discovered a surprising strategy: Young ants who become terminally ill will send out an altruistic "kill me" signal for the worker ...

Researchers have uncovered an unusual survival strategy in Iberian harvester ants that turns basic biology on its head: The queens can produce eggs that develop into two different ant species. A team ...