Ants are fascinating creatures with diverse behaviors, making them an ideal subject for observation and experimentation. In this article, we’ll explore the findings of a unique experiment where three ant species interacted with a simple apple slice. The study was conducted by the Ants Documentary team, with valuable support from Antstore in Berlin, Germany.

The experiment aimed to observe how three distinct ant species—Atta mexicana, Camponotus singularis, and Carebara diversa—react when presented with apple material. Would their unique traits and instincts shape different approaches to this task?

The setup featured individual enclosures for each species, equipped with controlled environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. High-quality timelapse equipment captured their interactions to give us a closer look at their fascinating behaviors.

Here you can find our experiment in film:

Initially puzzled by the apple, the Atta mexicana ants struggled with its tough skin. Once a small incision was made to assist them, their teamwork became apparent. In their methodical spinning motion, the workers peeled the apple layer by layer. They approached the task with precision, ensuring the apple remained stable by leaving its base intact until the very end.

Over two and a half days, they consumed the entire apple, even integrating the stem into their fungus garden. Notably, the humid environment of the formicarium, or the ants’ swift removal of layers, prevented the apple from browning.

The Atta mexicana demonstrated their adaptability and efficiency, showcasing their ability to repurpose tools for tasks beyond their typical behaviors.

Unlike the leafcutters, the Camponotus singularis showed minimal interest in the apple. A few individuals attempted to bite into it, but most ignored it altogether. Instead, they prioritized their usual activities, such as moving debris and sharing honey through trophallaxis on top of the apple slice.

Their lack of interest could be attributed to two factors:

1. They were already well-fed and had no need for an additional food source.
2. The apple’s acidity may not have appealed to their taste preferences.

The Camponotus singularis highlighted how environmental factors and colony needs influence dietary choices.

Given their smaller size, the Carebara diversa were provided with a smaller apple slice. They swarmed it aggressively, extracting its juice over several days. Unlike the Atta mexicana, the apple browned as they worked, potentially due to their slower pace and extraction method. They extracted the juice more efficiently when the apple was placed on the floor than when it was on a small plate.

Interestingly, the ants organized tunnel systems beneath the apple to access its juice more efficiently. After seven days, they lost interest in the apple but displayed brief curiosity when offered a banana slice.

The Carebara diversa exhibited problem-solving abilities through collective swarm behavior, highlighting their resourcefulness.

This experiment revealed the unique behaviors and adaptations of each species:

• Atta mexicana excelled in their methodical and efficient approach, adapting their skills to tackle the apple.
• Camponotus singularis demonstrated selective feeding behaviors, possibly influenced by environmental or dietary factors.
• Carebara diversa showcased aggressive and innovative problem-solving, emphasizing the power of swarm coordination.

Through this simple yet revealing experiment, we gained valuable insights into the diversity and specialization of ant species. It highlights how ants’ unique traits influence their interactions with their environment and resources.