Yes, juvenile ants in the pupal stage produce a kind of "milk". This surprising discovery was made by researchers, revealing a previously unnoticed secretion.
What is this "Milk"?
- This isn't milk in the traditional sense, like what mammals produce. Instead, it is a nutrient-rich fluid secreted by ant pupae.
- Scientists have recently identified this unique substance, highlighting the ongoing discoveries in the world of ants.
- The research demonstrates how there's still much to learn about even well-studied creatures like ants.
Key Facts about Ant "Milk"
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | Secreted by juvenile ants during the pupal stage |
| Composition | Nutrient-rich fluid, unlike mammalian milk |
| Significance | A previously unknown secretion, highlighting the complexity of ant biology |
| Discovery | Recently discovered, demonstrating the continued potential for new findings in ant research |
| Scientific Study | Scientists have been studying ants for over 100 years, but this detail was just recently observed. |
Reference
- The discovery of this "milk" is mentioned in a news report from December 16, 2022, indicating that "researchers have spotted something no-one had noticed before — a kind of 'milk' being secreted by juvenile ants in the pupal stage."
This recent discovery provides fascinating new insights into the complex lives of ants and demonstrates how much is yet to be uncovered in the natural world.
