Florida carpenter ants perform amputation for injury treatment, biting off injured legs.

A study published in Current Biology reveals that Florida carpenter ants are the first known ants to employ amputation for injury treatment. These ants bite off the injured legs of their colony members to prevent infection. The ants seem to be selective in their amputations, suggesting a methodical approach to their surgical practices. This behavior raises questions about their cognitive abilities and pain perception.

July 02, 2024
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