Yes, an injured ant can survive, especially if it receives assistance from its nestmates.
According to research, injured ants have a significantly higher chance of survival if they receive help from their colony. Specifically, ants that sustained leg injuries and were subsequently cared for by other ants within the colony, often through amputation of the damaged limb, demonstrated a much greater survival rate. Conversely, injured ants isolated from such care frequently perished.
This suggests that social behavior within ant colonies plays a vital role in the survival of injured individuals. The "first aid" provided by nestmates, such as amputation to prevent infection or further harm, substantially increases an injured ant's odds of recovery.
