Ants Emit ‘Death Wish’ Scent to Protect Colony From Disease,study Finds
LONDON – In a startling finding,scientists have found that sick young ants deliberately release a chemical signal prompting their nestmates to destroy them,preventing the spread of disease within the colony. The research, published today in Nature communications, reveals a sophisticated level of self-sacrifice and disease control within ant societies.
The study focuses on Lasius neglectus, a small black garden ant, and demonstrates that infected pupae emit a distinct odor that triggers a destructive response from worker ants. This behavior, while seemingly brutal, is a crucial survival strategy for the colony, ensuring the propagation of healthy genes.
Researchers initially extracted the scent from ailing pupae and applied it to healthy larvae in a laboratory setting. Remarkably, worker ants promptly destroyed the healthy brood exposed to the scent, mirroring their behavior in natural conditions. Further experimentation confirmed the scent is only released when worker ants are present, indicating a purposeful signal rather than a byproduct of illness.
“While it is a sacrifice - an altruistic act – it’s also in their own interest,because it means that their genes are going to survive and be passed on to the next generation,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Dawson, lead researcher on the project.
The team also investigated why queen pupae don’t emit the same warning signal when infected.They discovered queen pupae possess stronger immune systems, allowing them to often fight off infection independently.
“Are they cheating the system?” Dr. Dawson recounted the team questioning. “They have much better immune systems than the worker pupae, and so they were able to fight off the infection – and that’s why we think that they weren’t signalling.”
Future research will explore weather queen pupae eventually signal for destruction if their infection proves insurmountable. This discovery provides valuable insight into the complex social behaviors and disease management strategies of insect colonies, highlighting the power of collective action for survival.
(https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-66175-z)
Gregor Bracko/iNaturalist/CC-BY-NC
