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Parasitic Queen's Shocking Takeover Captured in Ant Colony

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A parasitic queen from either Lasius orientalis or Lasius umbratus infiltrated a colony of Lasius flavus or Lasius japonicus.
She disguises her scent by acquiring the colony odor and then sprays formic acid to confuse the workers.
The resident queen dies as the parasitic queen takes over and lays eggs, with the matricide captured on video.
Researchers published the findings in Current Biology, highlighting complex interactions within ant societies.

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Story summary

A parasitic queen from either Lasius orientalis or Lasius umbratus infiltrated a colony of Lasius flavus or Lasius japonicus.
She disguises her scent by acquiring the colony odor and then sprays formic acid to confuse the workers.
The resident queen dies as the parasitic queen takes over and lays eggs, with the matricide captured on video.
Researchers published the findings in Current Biology, highlighting complex interactions within ant societies.