The introduction of two queens from distinct ant species into the same colony environment almost invariably results in conflict. These conflicts stem from fundamental differences in pheromone profiles, social structures, and resource allocation strategies. This situation, termed “interspecific queen antagonism” leads to the demise of one or both queens.
Understanding the dynamics of queen interaction across species is important in evolutionary biology and ecology. It sheds light on the mechanisms that maintain species boundaries and the selective pressures that shape ant social behavior. Historically, observations of these interactions have contributed to our knowledge of colony establishment and the role of queen pheromones in colony regulation.
