Question

What can happen as Argentine ant colonies grow and split off to make new colonies?

Answer 1

In a generic ant colony a single nest contains a few male drones for female fertilisation, one queen who lays the eggs and sterile female workers responsible for brood care, foraging, nest defence and fighting1. All workers in the colony maintain strict borders and are highly aggressive towards any non-nestmate alien intruders. This cooperation that is shown between nestmates is simple, efficient and masterful.