Story perspectives

Caterpillars Outsmart Ants with Deceptive Signals and Treats

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lycaenidae caterpillars infiltrate ant colonies to gain protection and resources by emitting acoustic and chemical signals.
Rachelle Adams, an evolutionary biologist at Ohio State University, explains that these colonies act as well-defended fortresses for the caterpillars.
A study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences shows Lycaenidae caterpillars produce sugary substances to attract ants, mimic their sounds and pheromones, and imitate ant queens to gain favor.

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Story summary

Lycaenidae caterpillars infiltrate ant colonies to gain protection and resources by emitting acoustic and chemical signals.
Rachelle Adams, an evolutionary biologist at Ohio State University, explains that these colonies act as well-defended fortresses for the caterpillars.
A study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences shows Lycaenidae caterpillars produce sugary substances to attract ants, mimic their sounds and pheromones, and imitate ant queens to gain favor.