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Ant-putation: The Impact of Ant Antennae Removal on Ant Interaction with Addictive Substances

Can ants still function with the loss of their left antenna?

Intern(s):

Corey Cid, Avery Mak

Mentor(s):

Avery Cardiero

Project Period:

2024-2025

Team:

Harlem

We aim to investigate how the condition of Red Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, antennae affects their digging abilities and interaction with alcohol and sugar water. Antennae play an important role in ants’ sensory perception, allowing odor detection and other exploratory behaviors essential for their survival. Ants have been identified as the first invertebrate model demonstrating behavioral and neurochemical signs of opioid addiction, highlighting their potential for studying substance-related behaviors.

This page was originally developed by BioBus Summer 2021 Jr. Scientist William Rhee.

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