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In crazy vs. fire, the ant with the detox dance wins

Defense technique helps recent invader stomp out fire ants

CHEMICAL ANT FIGHT  The red imported fire ant (left) dabs droplets of potent venom from its rear onto enemies, but its opponent this time, a tawny crazy ant (right), detoxifies the venom with an acid rubdown. 

Lawrence Gilbert

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

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Tawny crazy ants pick fights with fire ants and win, thanks to a previously unknown way of detoxifying fire ant venom.