Thief Ant Produces Particularly Potent Antibiotic (IMAGE)

North Carolina State University

Thief Ant Produces Particularly Potent Antibiotic

Caption

In a recent study, the thief ant (Solenopsis molesta) -- shown here -- had the most powerful antibiotic effect of any ant species tested. The article, by Penick, et al., found that ants in this genus produce some of the strongest antimicrobials measured in social insects. But contrary to popular theory, not all ants seem to invest in potent antimicrobials.

Credit

Magdalena Sorger

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