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<p>Social insects use a complex blend of pheromones to communicate a range of signals, including alarm cues that warn conspecifics of potential threats. This study investigated the behavioral responses and exploratory activities of three ant species- <i>Oecophylla smaragdina</i>, <i>Odontomachus simillimus</i>, and <i>Diacamma rugosum-</i> in reaction to a natural alarm cue, using an open-field bioassay and automated tracking. Exposure to the alarm signal led to a significant reduction in exploratory behavior in all the three ants <i>Oecophylla smaragdina, Odontomachus simillimus,</i> and <i>Diacamma rugosum</i>, as indicated by decreased locomotion and lower average movement speeds. The smashed body of a single conspecific was sufficient to elicit an alarm response, triggered by a combination of alarm pheromones that could provoke either avoidance or initial attraction. Notably, <i>Oecophylla smaragdina</i> and <i>Diacamma rugosum</i> showed aggressive alarm behavior with attraction to the alarm source, marked by prolonged freezing near the smashed conspecific. However, <i>Oecophylla smaragdina</i> displayed defensive postures and, in some instances, responded with aggressive attacks toward the source of the alarm. <i>Odontomachus simillimus</i> individuals took longer to reach the alarm stimulus, which may indicate avoidance or aversion to the alarm signal. These species-specific behavioral patterns underscore the diversity of alarm response strategies among ants and may reflect ecological or evolutionary adaptations related to predation pressure and colony defence.</p>

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To Freeze or to Flee: Alarm Cue Responses Vary Among Tropical Ant Species

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月27日

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  • Uttumadathil Mohanan Jyothi,
  • Dhanusha Sivarajan,
  • Palissery Sheeba,
  • Binu Ramachandran,
  • Ambalaparambil Vasu Sudhikumar

摘要

Social insects use a complex blend of pheromones to communicate a range of signals, including alarm cues that warn conspecifics of potential threats. This study investigated the behavioral responses and exploratory activities of three ant species- Oecophylla smaragdina, Odontomachus simillimus, and Diacamma rugosum- in reaction to a natural alarm cue, using an open-field bioassay and automated tracking. Exposure to the alarm signal led to a significant reduction in exploratory behavior in all the three ants Oecophylla smaragdina, Odontomachus simillimus, and Diacamma rugosum, as indicated by decreased locomotion and lower average movement speeds. The smashed body of a single conspecific was sufficient to elicit an alarm response, triggered by a combination of alarm pheromones that could provoke either avoidance or initial attraction. Notably, Oecophylla smaragdina and Diacamma rugosum showed aggressive alarm behavior with attraction to the alarm source, marked by prolonged freezing near the smashed conspecific. However, Oecophylla smaragdina displayed defensive postures and, in some instances, responded with aggressive attacks toward the source of the alarm. Odontomachus simillimus individuals took longer to reach the alarm stimulus, which may indicate avoidance or aversion to the alarm signal. These species-specific behavioral patterns underscore the diversity of alarm response strategies among ants and may reflect ecological or evolutionary adaptations related to predation pressure and colony defence.