The ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and their parasites: effects of parasitic manipulations and host responses on ant behavioral ecology

Diagram showing how different parasite groups (insects, protozoans, prokaryotes, helminths, fungi, virus) manipulate ant behaviors leading to various phenotypes like hyperactivity and task abandonment.

In this review, we discuss the current literature on parasites of ants and their impacts on individual, caste, and colony behavior. The review also points out the knowledge gaps that are waiting to be filled and provides suggestions for how to start filling those gaps.