Is there evidence for behavioural laterality in the southern meat ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus)?

Abstract

Although handedness was previously believed to be rare amongst insects, recent research has suggested strong evidence for behavioural lateralization across several ant species. This study investigated whether workers of the southern meat ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus) showed behavioural lateralization while passing other workers along a trail, after they stop to engage in antennation. Analysis of 275 interactions demonstrated that I. purpureus individuals show non-random turning behaviour following antennation, which helps them avoid subsequent collision in the majority (93%) of cases. Furthermore, their efficiency in passing one another following antennation is only 19% slower compared to the optimal scenario. The non-random turning behaviour does not appear to be due to in-built lateral bias or other factors such as approach angle, but rather in response to the movements of the ant which they are passing.