Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) display a remarkable behavior of amputating injured nest mates’ limbs to save them from deadly infections, a phenomenon previously unseen in animals other than humans.
“The ant presents its injured leg and calmly sits there while another ant gnaws it off,” explains ecologist Erik Frank. “As soon as the leg drops off, the ant presents the newly amputated wound and the other ant completes the amputation by cleaning it.”
Life stages and kinds of carpenter ants
This surprising ability of ants to amputate limbs for infection control may not be welcome news to homeowners dealing with carpenter ants. Natural solutions to keep ants away from your kitchen can be a better alternative. Take a look at our guide on natural ways to deter ants.
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