Carpenter ants perform amputations as a preventive measure to prevent infections in their colonies. A new study from the University of Würzburg reveals that this critical medical care is primarily performed by worker ants transitioning between indoor and outdoor duties.

Key Findings: The research team, led by Dr. Erik Frank, examined six colonies of Camponotus fellah carpenter ants using automated tracking technology. They monitored 660 ants and hundreds of thousands of interactions over several weeks.

The study found that “ants transitioning between indoor and outdoor duties roam throughout the entire nest and are therefore better connected than other members” of their colony. This positioning makes them ideal candidates for wound care responsibilities.

Social connections matter significantly. Co-author Alba Motes-Rodrigo notes that prior interactions—including grooming and antenna contact—influence which ants provide medical care to injured colony members.

Treatment Method: Carpenter ants amputate injured legs by biting them off and applying antimicrobial substances. This prophylactic approach doubles survival rates among injured workers while protecting the broader colony from infection.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2614400123
Article Title: Social and Spatial Affinity Drive Wound Care in Ants
Publication Date: July 1, 2026

Source: EurekAlert