Ants ‘rescue comrades from battlefield’

A “Band of Brothers” species of warring ant has been observed rescuing injured comrades from the field of battle, carrying them to safety, and tending their wounds.

The extraordinary behaviour of African Matabele ants is thought to be unique in the animal kingdom.

It results in a dramatic reduction in casualty rates as the ants carry out highrisk raids.

Scientists found that help from the “medics” cut the death rate of injured ants from 80 per cent to just 10 per cent. The ants even displayed a form of heroism as badly injured insects too far gone to save refused to co-operate with their helpers. German researchers made the discovery after studying violent clashes between the ants and termites in Comoe National Park, Cote d’ivoire.