ants

The molting fluid of ant pupae functions as “metabolic currency” in the ant colony and may have enabled the evolution of eusociality. 

See some of the coolest images recently featured by The Scientist

All multicellular creatures interact with bacteria, but some have taken the relationship to another level with highly specialized structures that house, feed, and exploit the tiny organisms.

Specialized structures in plants and animals help attract and mediate communication with bacterial symbionts.

Researchers say they've figured out how some reproductive ants live up to 30 years—far longer than workers.

Though it’s poetic to say that ants were grieving the bee at a funeral, the reality is a bit more prosaic.

Understanding the biomechanics of the trap-jaw ant could help humans build better, faster robots.

A peptide found in bull ant venom closely resembles a hormone of its primary predator, triggering hypersensitivity and making subsequent bites even more painful than the ones that came before.

Researchers are going beyond fecal samples to understand how the patterns of commensal microbes in the gastrointestinal tract influence development and health.

Once considered anosmic, birds are now widely recognized as using olfactory cues to aid in a wide range of behaviors.

The naturalist was recognized for his work on social behavior and pheromones in ants and as a champion of wildlife conservation.

The transcription factor can also drive the opposite transition depending on which hormone activates it, according to a new study.

Big heads come in handy when the social insects are tasked with defending their nest.

The antimicrobial compounds ants excrete to defend themselves from pathogens may protect plants as well.

Evolution imbued ants with an agriculture strategy that optimizes food rewards.

Watch soldier ants behave more like foragers after scientists change their gene expression.

Buoyancy techniques used by spiders and ants inspire the development of floating aluminum discs.

Researchers identify changes to a pain receptor and to an ion channel that appear to enable the rodents to colonize otherwise inhospitable burrows.

Over the course of their lives, the jumping spider Synemosyna formica wears two different ant disguises to fool preying birds.