Tag attachment reduces the initiation of recruitment in the rock ant,Temnothorax rugatulus

Abstract

AbstractTechnological advances continue to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry in animal behavior. One such development is the emergence of automated tracking systems, which enable the collection of high-resolution spatio-temporal information for animals. Although tag-based tracking systems provide valuable insights into animal movement and collective behavior, the attachment of devices can have detrimental effects in some cases. Here, we investigated the effects of recently developed miniature tracking tags using the rock ant,Temnothorax rugatulus, as a model system. To do so, we compared the foraging activities of tagged and untagged ants within partially tagged colonies. Additionally, we compared the foraging activities of these tagged colonies with those of untagged control colonies. We found that tags did not reduce individual activity, with tagged ants visiting the food source as frequently as untagged ants. However, our analysis revealed a marked difference in recruitment behavior—tagged ants were significantly less likely to participate in tandem runs. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that tracking tags can negatively impact ant behavior. Although tracking devices are powerful tools for understanding complex behavioral patterns, it is crucial to carefully consider their potential impact on animal behavior to ensure accurate conclusions.