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 ...

Ant colonies operate as tightly coordinated "superorganisms" with individual ants working together, much like the cells of a body, to ensure their collective health. Researchers at the Institute of ...

Fungal interactions with ant species represent a fascinating and complex interface that influences both individual physiology and colony-level dynamics. Research has shown that fungal infections, ...

Ant (scientific name: Camponotus atriceps) infected with fungus (scientific name: Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato). The fungus forces the ant to climb off the forest floor and bite down on a ...

Deep inside an ant nest, some of the youngest members are primed to die for the group. When infection strikes, these baby ants do not just fall sick and fade away. They actively trigger their own ...

Ants are the surgeons of the insect world, reveals new research. Florida carpenter ants have been caught on camera amputating the infected limbs of wounded nestmates. It is the first time any creature ...