Work

Architectural immunity: Ants alter their nest networks to prevent epidemics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT In animal groups, spatial heterogeneities shape social contact networks, thereby influencing the transmission of infectious diseases. Active modifications to the spatial environment could thus be a potent tool to mitigate epidemic risk. We tested whether Lasius niger ants modify their nest architecture in response to pathogens by introducing controlor pathogen-treated individuals into nest-digging groups, and monitoring three-dimensional nest morphogenesis over time. Pathogen exposure led to an array of architectural changes including faster nest growth, increased spacing between entrances, transmission-inhibitory changes in overall nest network topology, and reduced chamber centrality. Simulations confirmed that these changes reduced disease spread. These results provide evidence for architectural immunity in a social animal and offer insights into how spatial organisation can be leveraged to decrease epidemic susceptibility.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.ads5930

Authors: Luke Leckie, Mischa Sinha Andon, Katherine Bruce, Nathalie Stroeymeyt

Institutions: University of Bristol, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University

Language: English

Topic: Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Bristol