Ants, like humans, perform life-saving amputations on their injured nest mates, a study reveals. Researchers found that Florida carpenter ants exhibit this behavior to treat leg wounds and prevent infections from spreading. The ants are able to diagnose the wounds and tailor their treatment accordingly, maximizing the survival chances of the injured ant.
The study observed how nest mates of injured ants would lick the wound before biting and amputating the limb at the joint where the hip bone connects. This behavior was more common for ants with injuries on their femur or thigh, compared to those with lower leg injuries. The amputations proved to be beneficial in preventing infections from spreading and improving the survival rates of the injured ants.
In cases where the injured ants had infected wounds, the study found that isolated ants with infected wounds were more likely to die. However, if the injured ants were returned to their colonies or had the infected limb amputated by researchers, their survival rates improved. This indicates that the treatments provided by nest mates were beneficial in saving the injured ants.
Further research suggested that amputations were more effective for thigh wounds compared to lower leg wounds. Thigh wounds were associated with structures that pumped a blood-like substance around the ants’ bodies, making infections spread slower than in lower leg wounds. This insight into the different responses to amputations based on the location of the injury sheds light on the sophisticated wound care behavior of ants.
The study also highlighted that around 10-11% of ants in Camponotus species carry injuries from previous days, often obtained during territorial disputes with neighboring colonies. Despite these injuries, the injured ants still play an important role in the colony. This cooperative behavior among ant workers reflects their dedication to the survival and well-being of the colony as a whole.
Experts not involved in the study commented on the results, emphasizing the significance of the findings in understanding the social behaviors of insects. The cooperative behaviors observed in ants, such as amputating injured limbs, sacrificing for the colony’s defense, or directing nest mates to food sources, showcase the intricate social structure and mutual support mechanisms within ant colonies.
Overall, the study sheds light on the remarkable wound care behavior of ants and their ability to perform life-saving amputations to ensure the survival of injured nest mates. This research provides valuable insights into the complex social interactions and adaptive behaviors of ants, highlighting the importance of cooperation and mutual aid in the insect world.
