The Geomagnetic Field (GMF) Is Necessary for Black Garden Ant ( L.) Foraging and Modulates Orientation Potentially through Aminergic Regulation and Expression.

The geomagnetic field (GMF) can affect a wide range of animal behaviors in various habitats, primarily providing orientation cues for homing or migratory events. Foraging patterns, such as those implemented by , are excellent models to delve into the effects of GMF on orientation abilities. In this work, we assessed the role of GMF by comparing the foraging and orientation performance, brain biogenic amine (BA) contents, and the expression of genes related to the magnetosensory complex and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of workers exposed to near-null magnetic fields (NNMF, ~40 nT) and GMF (~42 µT).

Correction: Origanum vulgare terpenoids modulate Myrmica scabrinodis brain biogenic amines and ant behaviour.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Origanum vulgare terpenoids modulate Myrmica scabrinodis brain biogenic amines and ant behaviour.

Coordinated social behaviour is fundamental for ant ecological success. However, even distantly-related organisms, such as plants, have evolved the ability to manipulate ant collective performances to their own advantage. In the parasitic system encompassing Maculinea butterflies, Myrmica ants, and Origanum vulgare plants, the ant-plant interaction elicits the release of a volatile terpenoid compound (carvacrol) which is used by the gravid butterfly to locate the ideal oviposition site.