How intruder ant queens use a chemical trick to trigger workers into killing their own mother
Parasitic ant queens have evolved a sophisticated strategy to infiltrate and take over established colonies. By releasing targeted chemical sprays, these invaders manipulate host workers into killing their own resident queen, thereby securing reproductive dominance without direct combat. This discovery reveals a complex interplay of chemical communication and social manipulation in the evolution of ant societies.
Parasitic ant queens have evolved a sophisticated strategy to infiltrate and take over established colonies. By releasing targeted chemical sprays, these invaders manipulate host workers into killing their own resident queen, thereby securing reproductive dominance without direct combat. This discovery reveals a complex interplay of chemical communication and social manipulation in the evolution of ant societies.
