News Life

Caterpillar noise tricks ants into service

Worker ants know a royal command, whatever the source

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Hear the caterpillar and ant sounds

OUTSOURCER
A Maculinea rebeli butterfly rests on a cross-leaved gentian. Caterpillars of this butterfly feed on this plant before they trick ant larvae into caring for them. courtesy of Jeremy Thomas
ROYAL TREATMENT A caterpillar has fooled ants into feeding it during the final stages before it turns into a large blue butterfly.