S. Tragust

Formicine ants swallow their highly acidic poison for gut microbial selection and control

The paper shows formicine ants use their acidic poison to control microbial communities in their gut, inhibiting pathogens while promoting beneficial bacteria.

Destructive Disinfection Of Infected Brood Prevents Systemic Disease Spread In Ant Colonies

The paper demonstrates that ants use destructive disinfection to prevent disease spread by targeting infected pupae and administering antimicrobial poison.