A Role of Contact with Other Individuals on Search Efficiency in Formica japonica

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effect of contact with other ants on exploratory behavior of ants. Japanese wood ants were placed inside ANTAM and their exploratory behavior was recorded for 5 minutes by contacting with other ants every 30 seconds. We found that ants that were allowed to be contacted with other ants maintained super-diffusive movements while presenting the Lévy walk. We also found that they frequently changed their movement directions.