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‘No entry’ signal in ant foraging

Author

Listed:
  • Elva J. H. Robinson

    (Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sheffield)

  • Duncan E. Jackson

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Mike Holcombe

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Francis L. W. Ratnieks

    (Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sheffield)

Abstract

Stop them in their tracks Foraging ants have evolved sophisticated means of communication using attractive trail pheromones to guide their nestmates to food or water. These systems are widely studied and have even provided algorithms relevant to human traffic, computer and communication networks. Now it seems there may be a ‘stop’ sign to augment the familiar ‘go’ in Pharaoh's ants. They use a repellent pheromone to mark unrewarding paths, concentrating the signal at decision points such as trail bifurcations.

Suggested Citation

  • Elva J. H. Robinson & Duncan E. Jackson & Mike Holcombe & Francis L. W. Ratnieks, 2005. "‘No entry’ signal in ant foraging," Nature, Nature, vol. 438(7067), pages 442-442, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:438:y:2005:i:7067:d:10.1038_438442a
    DOI: 10.1038/438442a
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