Ants that consumed a caffeinated solution were able to locate the sweet reward faster than those without caffeine, indicating that the drug aids in learning.
Researchers created an ant-sized arena on printer paper in the lab to observe how ants reacted to caffeine. They placed drops of sugar water on the paper for the ants to find, some with varying levels of caffeine. The ants were then tested in the same location.
“To evaluate whether caffeine enhanced their learning ability, we monitored their travel paths and speed in finding food,” Enrique Galante explained. In a study conducted at the University of Regensburg in Germany, 142 ants were tested four times each.
Ants that received low or moderate doses of caffeine took a more direct route to the sweet treat in each trial, showing that they memorized the reward’s location successfully. Caffeine did not affect their pace but reduced the unnecessary turns they took to reach the food.
Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) appear to benefit from caffeine
Laure-Anne Poissonnier (CC-BY-SA)
Researchers discovered that higher doses of caffeine did not necessarily yield better results. Ants consuming the lowest dose of 25 parts per million spent 28% less time searching. Those with a moderate dose of 250 ppm reduced their search time by 38%, while the highest dose of 2000ppm was fatal.
As Argentine ants are a widespread invasive species, Galante believes this study could aid in their control efforts. The team is currently testing caffeinated bait in Spain to improve the ants’ ability to locate food and potentially reduce ant populations with less poison.
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Source: www.newscientist.com
