foraging efficiency

C·I·B postdoctoral associate Dr. Natasha Mothapo used behavioural experiments to see if the African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) can help to keep the spread of invasive Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) in check. Dr. Mothapo found that both species were very aggressive during fights. Their mortality rates were similar during one-on-one clashes, but Argentine ants suffered more deaths than did big-headed ants. When competing for food in the same environment, the African big-headed ant was able to keep Argentine ants from gaining access to the food.