#parasitism — Public Fediverse posts

The venomous ant *Megalomyrmex symmetochus* lives parasitically in colonies of the ant *Sericomyrmex amabilis*. When individuals of *M. symmetochus* are confronted by *S. amabilis*, they display their stinger and release volatilized venom rather than stinging, even preferring these behaviors after being bitten by the host species--though they will sting.

Toxic communication to reduce conflict.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0345143

#Science #Ecology #Ants #Parasitism #Communication #AnimalBehavior

#Orchid's #nutrient theft from f#ungi sheds light on #photosynthesis-#parasitism continuum.

#kleptophagy #kleptoparasitism #mycoheterotrophy #mycorrhizae

https://phys.org/news/2025-02-orchid-nutrient-theft-fungi-photosynthesis.html