Change the Gender of Ants
WouterTraditionally, ant species are named after their male or female reproductive counterparts. However, a genetically unusual population of ants is changing how researchers think about insect colonies.
A new species of ant with a non-binary name has been discovered in the Ecuadorian tropical forest. The species is called Strumigenys ayersthey. It was discovered in conjunction with a collaborative investigation of the Reserva Rio Canande in Choco biodiversity hotspots. It is named after the activist Jeremy Ayers.
In addition to the non-binary name, the newly discovered species also has a non-Latinised portmanteau. It was first discovered in Germany by Philipp Hoenle of the Technical University of Darmstadt, and later confirmed by taxonomy expert Douglas Booher of Yale University.
Strumigenys ayersthey is one of a number of ants that has been named after a person. Hundreds of species have been named after individuals. Strumigenys ayersthey represents individuals who do not fit into traditional gender assignments.
The queen and males of an alternate lineage produce all workers. However, male ants may prefer to mate with a queen from the same lineage.
Harvester ants are one of the largest insect societies in western United States. They live in colonies that cover hundreds of miles. They have nests that are so large, they can be seen from airplanes. The colonies are based on a caste system, which divides the duties of the members of the colony. Typically, males and females are divided into two groups, workers and drones.
