WebNov 25, 2024 · A well-known leaf-cutting ant grows its own body armour using biominerals, a protective power previously unknown in the insect world, scientists have discovered WebNov 25, 2024 · Caitlin M Carlson. In the ant-eat-ant world of Latin American, scientists have found the first known example of biomineral body armor in a species of insect. The armor, a super-tough material made ...
Biomineral armor in leaf-cutter ants
WebMay 20, 2024 · Here, we report the discovery of high-magnesium calcite [CaMg (CO3)2] armor overlaying the exoskeletons of major workers of the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex … WebLeafcutter ants, a non-generic name, are any of 47 species of leaf-chewing ants belonging to the two genera Atta and Acromyrmex.These species of tropical, fungus-growing ants are all endemic to South and Central … fit house hartlepool
Scientists discover fungus-farming ants evolving biomineral ... - Sky News
WebNov 25, 2024 · Scientists discover fungus-farming ants evolving biomineral body armour. The body armour enables the ants to fend off attacks from marauding colonies that want their nutrient-rich fungus crops. WebNon Technical Summary We have recently discovered the production of a rare magnesium calcite biomineral on the fungus-growing ants and have shown that this biomineral layer serves as protective armor for the ants. Interestingly, despite human attempts to synthesize this biomineral requiring extreme amounts of energy, the formation of this biomineral … WebApr 14, 2024 · What’s even crazier is the discovery scientists made recently about these ants: Leafcutter ants wear armor that prevents them from losing limbs during battles and from nasty fungal infections. A biomineral is embedded in its already tough exoskeleton. It’s made from a tough material called calcite with high magnesium levels, making it ... fit house manchester ma