Older <i>C. obscurior</i> Fights Younger Ant (IMAGE)

BMC (BioMed Central)

Older <i>C. obscurior</i> Fights Younger Ant

Caption

The dominant wingless (ergatoid) male is able to identify potential rivals before they emerge from their pupae. Constant patrolling of the nest ensures that this male is able to bite or chemically tag rivals as soon as they emerge from their pupae. Chemically tagged ants are quickly destroyed by workers.

Credit

Sylvia Cremer

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