Is this a nest they have invaded before? They seem to be doing it with such ease. I am not sure if some families (I would think of the species Formica) are easier than others, but don't some of them put up a fight? Wilson's studies in California suggest this (in this case, the slaved ant was Formica Rufa).
@kadkins3663 I doubt that the colonies as a whole maintain a 'memory' of being raided, however I have read that there Polyergus spp. have a somewhat 'pacifying' effect on the colony they're raiding. They enter the colony and give off formic acid, inciting a "panic-flee" response in the Formica nest.
On the other hand, one might expect a colony to perhaps grow resistant over generations to the formic acid given off by invading Polyergus.
I just read about Amazon Ants in the book, Trappers And Hunters by Ross Hutchins. So, I went to YouTube and there they were just as he had written. Thank you.
This is fascinating. Thanks so much for sharing such a great video!
meyume 1 month ago
Is this a nest they have invaded before? They seem to be doing it with such ease. I am not sure if some families (I would think of the species Formica) are easier than others, but don't some of them put up a fight? Wilson's studies in California suggest this (in this case, the slaved ant was Formica Rufa).
kadkins3663 8 months ago
@kadkins3663 I doubt that the colonies as a whole maintain a 'memory' of being raided, however I have read that there Polyergus spp. have a somewhat 'pacifying' effect on the colony they're raiding. They enter the colony and give off formic acid, inciting a "panic-flee" response in the Formica nest.
On the other hand, one might expect a colony to perhaps grow resistant over generations to the formic acid given off by invading Polyergus.
Ookani 3 months ago
I just read about Amazon Ants in the book, Trappers And Hunters by Ross Hutchins. So, I went to YouTube and there they were just as he had written. Thank you.
ThePolka 1 year ago
wow there fast!!!
noigirl 1 year ago