Ants rip apart extra queens because these surplus queens serve no useful purpose in the colony. These additional queens aren't needed for reproduction and can't perform worker tasks, so they are often killed soon after they emerge from their brood cells.
The Fate of Surplus Queens
When a new colony is formed, especially in species with multiple queens, a critical period follows. The colony will have excess queens, and instead of coexisting, they're often met with violence. Here’s a breakdown of the why:
- No Role for Extra Queens: Queens are solely for reproduction, and a colony doesn't need multiple egg-layers. Workers cannot reproduce, so extra queens don't provide a benefit to the existing ant colony.
- No Work Ethic: Queens are not designed to perform tasks like foraging, tending to larvae, or colony maintenance. Their only function is to lay eggs.
- Eliminating Competition: Extra queens represent potential competition for resources and influence, even if they aren't directly working against the initial queen.
- Decapitation and Dissection: As referenced, the workers will either decapitate the surplus queens or rip them apart.
Understanding the Process
| Stage | Description | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Emergence of New Queens | Newly developed queens emerge from their pupal cells. | Marks the start of their brief existence |
| Assessment by Workers | Workers recognize the newly emerged queens are not needed. | Workers only recognize the need for one queen at the moment |
| Elimination | Workers quickly kill the extra queens by dismembering, often starting with decapitation, shortly after they emerge. | Eliminates queens that don't contribute to colony and could potentially be threats |
Key takeaways
- The process is highly efficient.
- There's no time for negotiations or cooperation.
- The colony's survival needs are prioritized over any individual queen.
This behavior highlights the stark reality of ant colonies, where survival and efficiency are paramount. This helps to ensure a well-structured, well-defined, and more productive colony.
