Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you see one of the thousands of billions of the planet’s ants ...

Think of all the ways the people you know get your attention. An adult might shout your name across the yard. Your friend might wave his arms from down the sidewalk. Your teacher might tap you on the ...

Ant societies are built on scent. Pheromones guide the insects to food, warn them of predators, and regulate the rhythms of their colonies. This chemical communication system is governed by a simple ...

In most of the animal world, there’s a sad trade-off to make: The more babies you have, the shorter you live. But ants buck the system. The queens — the only individuals in a nest that reproduce — ...