Ants found to be the only animal able to perform life saving surgeries

Experiments have revealed that Florida carpenter ants are capable of performing life-saving surgery on their fellow ants. They have become the second known species, along with humans, to demonstrate this remarkable behavior. This is prepared by SSP.

Researchers from the University of Würzburg in Germany have made startling observations regarding carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) residing in Florida. These ants possess a unique ability to identify limb wounds on their nestmates and proceed to perform appropriate treatments such as cleaning or amputation. The findings of this groundbreaking research have recently been published in Current Biology.

The lead author of the study, behavioral ecologist Erik Frank, emphasizes the exceptional nature of this behavior by stating, "When we're talking about amputation behavior, this is literally the only case in which a sophisticated and systematic amputation of an individual by another member of its species occurs in the animal kingdom."

In a previous study conducted by Frank and his team in 2023, they discovered that another ant species in Africa, called Megaponera analis, exhibited the ability to treat infected wounds in their fellow ants utilizing an antimicrobial substance secreted from their glands. However, since Florida carpenter ants lack such glands, researchers were intrigued to explore how this species deals with wounded members within their colony.

The study focused on two types of leg wounds observed among these ants: lacerations on the femur (thigh area) and those occurring on the tibia (lower leg). By closely observing the intricate techniques employed by these ants, the researchers hope to uncover more insights into their surprisingly advanced surgical abilities.

This revolutionary discovery not only sheds light on the complexities of animal behavior but also highlights the incredible diversity and capabilities of these tiny creatures within their ecosystems. Further research into the mechanisms behind this unique surgical behavior could provide valuable insights for human medical advancements.