Some ants chomp off the infected limbs of nestmates to boost their chances of survival. This makes them the only recorded non-human animals to perform amputations to save another’s life.
Ants are one of few animals that tend to the injuries of their peers. Matabele ants (Megaponera analis), for example, can treat infections by secreting an antimicrobial substance produced by special glands. After closely observing colonies of Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) in the laboratory, Frank’s colleague Dany Buffat spotted an ant chewing off a nestmate’s wounded leg.
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