Research reveals surgery not limited to humans

Editor's Note

Researchers recently observed an unprecedented behavior in Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus): Unlike most ant species that treat injured limbs with antimicrobial substances, these ants perform amputation by biting off the injured limb. The journal Science reported the news July 2.

Multiple experiments confirmed the amputation behavior, Science reports. Additionally, Frank's team found that the ants' survival rate increased significantly when they returned to their nest and had their limbs amputated by nestmates, compared to those left in isolation.

The researchers discovered that amputations were more effective when the injury occurred at the femur, where muscles slow hemolymph (insect blood) circulation, allowing time for the procedure. In contrast, injuries at the tibia, where circulation is faster, were treated by licking to remove bacteria rather than amputation, and amputations in these cases did not improve survival. This indicates ants' ability to adapt their response based on the nature of the injury.

These findings challenge the perception that they are merely expendable workers, Science reports, comparing the practice to humans retrieving and treating wounded soldiers.