News Animals

Caterpillar treats and tricks ants by oozing spiked juice

Sipping droplets changes ants’ brain chemistry, making them neglect the colony and defend the butterfly larva

Ants with caterpillar

BUILDING BODYGUARDS  Neglecting their colony tasks, ants hang around — and defend — a Narathura japonica caterpillar that oozes droplets spiked with substances that alter ant brain chemistry.

M.K. Hojo

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Beware the caterpillar offering a juicy treat.