A researcher has found the social patterns of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are determined by a supergene. This discovery has been lauded as a step towards reducing the dangers of insects.

John Wang (王忠信), an assistant research fellow at Academia Sinica, says his research has found that the social patterns of fire ants are determined by about 600 genes locked in a supergene, which is passed down to the offspring without exchanging chromosomes.

Wang says the supergene makes queen ants release a different odor that worker ants can differentiate.

This finding can be used to trick ants into killing their own queen and limiting infestations, says Wang.

Wang is one of 16 recipients in an award ceremony in the category of research work by young scholars sponsored by Academia Sinica.

Fire ants first began making inroads into Taiwan in 2003 and their colonies can be found in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli and Chiayi.

Article source

Photo source