蚂蚁捷径返巢及其朝向机制的研究

定量研究了铺道蚁Tetramorium caespitum的载物返巢行为。实验证明这种蚂蚁在获得食物后，并不重复搜寻食物期间所走过的迂回路线，而是沿着近似直线的新路径迅速回巢。太阳及天空偏振光模式能用作它们返巢的提示，非偏振光源也能指引蚂蚁成功地捷径返巢。这些结果表明有高级社会性结构的铺道蚁通过脑以光导航。

A study on direct homing and underlying orientation mechanism in the ant Tetramorium caespitum

Homing behaviour in the ant, Tetramorium caespitum, with food was quantitatively studied. We demonstrate that after obtaining food the ant workers are able to rapidly return to their nest along a new, ‘bee line’ route and are not bound to retrace their outward tortuous routes during foraging. The sun and polarized skylight pattern can be used as a cue for homing, and a non polarized lighting can guide the ant home directly as well. The results suggest that T. caespitum with an advanced social structure uses the brain to navigate by the light.