2014
DOI: 10.1242/jeb.093021
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Abstract: To overcome obstacles and survive harsh environments, fire ants link their bodies together to form self-assemblages such as rafts, bridges and bivouacs. Such structures are examples of self-assembling and self-healing materials, as ants can quickly create and break links with one another in response to changes in their environment. Because ants are opaque, the arrangement of the ants within these threedimensional networks was previously unknown. In this experimental study, we applied micro-scale computed tomog… Show more

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Cited by 47 publications
(32 citation statements)
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“…The peculiar properties of solid aggregations have recently been exemplified by studies on fire ants that are capable of building dynamic structures such as rafts, bridges or towers [15,16], as illustrated in figure 1a,b. Such aggregations can be seen as dynamic networks wherein ants (the nodes) form transient connections by linking their tarsi together via mechanical claws or adhesion via sticky pads located at the end of each tarsus [9].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The peculiar properties of solid aggregations have recently been exemplified by studies on fire ants that are capable of building dynamic structures such as rafts, bridges or towers [15,16], as illustrated in figure 1a,b. Such aggregations can be seen as dynamic networks wherein ants (the nodes) form transient connections by linking their tarsi together via mechanical claws or adhesion via sticky pads located at the end of each tarsus [9].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…[581] Recent years have seen a number of studies that obtain quantitative measures of the remarkable properties of ant aggregations, which can be compared with other types of "entangled active matter" such as cells, which also have actively regulated physical bonds. [582,583] Using classic measurement strategies such as tensile testing, [584] parallel-plate rheometry, [585] spreading drop measurements, [581] and Hele-Shaw cells for flow measurement, [583,586] the material properties of insect populations can be quantified. Accordingly, ant aggregates are classified as viscoelastic pastes with shear-thinning and selfhealing properties.…”
Section: Insect Swarms As Functional Materialsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Some aggregations allow organisms to adopt remarkable material properties and manipulate their environment. 16 In the insect world, colonies of ants form rafts and bridges that allow them to span gaps and survive floods. The collective action of honeybees can control the fluid dynamics of the hive and thus aid in the ventilation of their home.…”
Section: Multiscale Physics Of Living Assemblagesmentioning
confidence: 99%