Data for: An agent-based model shows zombie ants turn frequently before death

Published: 1 June 2021| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/nmgz9kp8t8.1
Contributor:
Natalie Imirzian

Description

Zombie ants are ants manipulated by a fungal parasite (Ophiocordyceps sp.) to leave the nest and die biting the underside of a leaf. From there, the fungus grows from the ant and distributes spores to new ants. The model recreates how infected ants are walking from the nest to the biting locations. By altering the movement parameters of the ants, we investigate how walking style influences whether ants frequently end up on the biting locations. The model uses field data to inform the model setup, using 4 different nests with the real locations of the ant nest, foraging trails, and cadaver biting locations.

Files

Categories

Entomology, Parasitism, Agent-Based Modeling

Licence