When in Trouble, Young Ants Play Dead
Thursday April 10, 2008
When under attack, young fire ant workers play dead as a defense mechanism.
Researchers made this discovery while studying the fire ant species Solenopsis invicta.
The study revealed that the age of this type of ant is a good predictor of which defense strategy it will use when under attack.
Ants that are just a few days-old will play dead. Ants that are a few weeks-old will flee, and those that are a few months-old will stay and fight.
For additional information, see:
Researchers made this discovery while studying the fire ant species Solenopsis invicta.
The study revealed that the age of this type of ant is a good predictor of which defense strategy it will use when under attack.
Ants that are just a few days-old will play dead. Ants that are a few weeks-old will flee, and those that are a few months-old will stay and fight.
For additional information, see:
- Playing Dead Works For Young Fire Ants Under Attack (Science Daily)
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