Dying Ants Emit Alarm Scent to Protect Colony

Scientists found that when ant pupae get a fatal infection, they release a special smell to warn the other ants.

This smell tells the worker ants to quickly remove and treat the infected pupa with a special acid to stop the infection from spreading.

Even though this treatment kills the infected pupa, it helps protect the rest of the colony.

The worker ants are very good at finding the exact pupa that is infected and only act when it's really necessary.

This way, the colony stays safe and healthy.

The research shows how ants work together like a big family to take care of each other.