Tapeworm hijacks worker ants, giving them queen-like metabolism and longer lives
A specific tapeworm is extending the lifespans of worker ants by altering their metabolism to mimic that of a queen.
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The brief
The tapeworm Anomotaenia brevis infects worker ants of the species Temnothorx nylanderi. This parasitic relationship triggers genetic changes that grant the workers a queen-like metabolism, allowing them to live several times longer than uninfected workers.
Coverage from Phys.org, The Times of India, and Scientific Frontline emphasizes the hijacking of the ants' biological systems to extend their lives. EurekAlert! notes that infected ants are identifiable by a yellowish coloration.
Future observations may focus on the specific genetic changes mentioned by Scientific Frontline and the long-term impact of this metabolic shift on the colony.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated just now.
Quick answers
Which ant species is affected?
The tapeworm infects worker ants of the species Temnothorx nylanderi.
What is the name of the parasite involved?
The parasite is a tapeworm known as Anomotaenia brevis.
How can an infected ant be identified?
Infected worker ants are recognizable by their yellowish coloration.
Coverage (4)
- A tapeworm infects worker ants and makes them live several times longer by turning their bodies more like those of queens The Times of India · 23h ago
- Tapeworms Extend Ant Lifespans via Genetic Changes Scientific Frontline · 23h ago
- A worker ant of the species Temnothorx nylanderi infected with the tapeworm Anomotaenia brevis, recognizable by its yellowish coloration, alongside an uninfected worker EurekAlert! · 23h ago
- Tapeworm hijacks worker ants, giving them queen-like metabolism and longer lives Phys.org · 23h ago broke it first
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