It is called Cephalotes specularis and is the first known ant species that uses visual mimicry to parasitize another ant species. It was discovered by Scott Powell, assistant professor of biology at George Washington University.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Is called Cephalotes specularis and it is the first known ant species to use visual mimicry to parasitize another ant species. It was discovered by Scott Powell, assistant professor of biology at George Washington University.
While conducting field research on turtle ants in Brazil, Powell known something strange: another species of ant had infiltrated, assuming the appearance of the host ant. In order not to be recognized, the spy ants raised their abdomens like the tortoise ants.
After nearly two years of research and consultations with colleagues, Dr. Powell was surprised to have officially a new species of ant: it was the C. specularis, who were careful to dodge the host ants to avoid being recognized by their different smell.
The purpose of all this? It was clear and simple: access the food of parasitic ants, following their foraging routes to access food sources. In practice, they steal reserves from the enemy. Further research conducted after the initial discovery revealed that 89 percent of the host territories had been parasitized.
Powell believes this is one of the most interesting discoveries ever made and sees it as an opportunity to learn more about the evolution of parasitism. It seems that the routine infiltration of these ants has nothing to envy to that of the world's most famous spy secret agent, James Bond.
Roberta Ragni
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