Overview
- Researchers documented Lasius orientalis and Lasius umbratus infiltrating colonies of Lasius flavus and Lasius japonicus.
- Invading queens first picked up the host colony’s scent from foragers outside the nest to avoid recognition as intruders.
- Once inside, the parasite sprayed the resident queen with a foul-smelling liquid, likely formic acid, which prompted workers to attack her.
- After the resident queen’s removal, the intruding queen took over reproduction, laid eggs, and was cared for by the host workers.
- The team provides extensive behavioral and video evidence and notes that the sprayed compound’s exact identity and the behavior’s broader prevalence remain to be confirmed.