Worker supercolonies: a fascinating discovery about ant behavior
Ants are incredible social insects, known for their complex organization and division of labor. But recently, scientists made an even more surprising discovery: the presence of worker supercolonies.
What is a worker supercolony? This is when several ant colonies come together to form a single entity. This means that thousands or even millions of individuals work together as one organism.
This discovery was made by researchers at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, who observed this behavior in a species of ants called Solenopsis invicta, more commonly known as the fire ant. These supercolonies were discovered in Europe, more precisely in Sicily.
Solenopsis invicta is an invasive species native to South America. It is known for its painful stings and powerful poison. It managed to colonize large regions in North America, Asia and Oceania, causing considerable economic damage.
The discovery of these supercolonies in Europe is concerning for several reasons. First of all, Solenopsis invicta has a negative impact on local biodiversity by imposing itself on other species. Additionally, its bites can be dangerous to humans and livestock, leading to health problems and economic losses.
Furthermore, eradicating these supercolonies is a challenge. The United States and Australia have already spent millions of dollars trying to get rid of it, without much success. Only New Zealanders have managed to eradicate these ants, thanks to rapid intervention.
The study of these worker supercolonies is still ongoing, but it raises fascinating questions about ant behavior and cooperation mechanisms within colonies. Researchers hope to learn more about the factors that promote the formation of these supercolonies and find more effective ways to control them.
In conclusion, the discovery of worker supercolonies among fire ants in Europe is an important advance in our understanding of insect social behaviors. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and managing invasive species to preserve ecosystem balance.