Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 11/05/2018 11:49:14

Title: Do ants retrieve and treat their wounded nest-mates?
Post by: katieHaylor on 11/05/2018 11:49:14

Judi says:

I've heard several podcasts and read a couple of articles about ants rescuing comrades injured in battles, how they take them back to their nest, and treat their wounds by licking or treating their wounds with saliva. 

Do ants have tongues? How do they treat the injured with saliva?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Do ants retrieve and treat their wounded nest-mates?
Post by: chris on 11/05/2018 23:33:18

Do you think they administer "anty-bodies"?

Title: Re: Do ants retrieve and treat their wounded nest-mates?
Post by: evan_au on 12/05/2018 02:49:40

I have heard that ants attack, kill and dispose of the bodies of ants with fungal infections...
A bit like our own immune system attacking, killing and disposing of infected cells.

Title: Re: Do ants retrieve and treat their wounded nest-mates?
Post by: chris on 12/05/2018 07:51:38

Nice article by Chris Pull on how ants do the insect equivalent of infection control to prevent disease spread (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/science-features/how-do-ants-stop-diseases-spreading).