What is scutelliphily?

Scutelliphily is a phenomenon in which ants carry their brood on their large and flattened rear shield, called the scutellum. This form of brood transport is common in members of the ant subfamily Formicinae, which includes many species of wood ants, carpenter ants, and others.

The scutellum provides a safe and secure place for the developing brood to develop and grow. Ants are able to carry multiple brood items on their scutellum at once, which allows for efficient transport and nesting.

Scutelliphily is an important part of ant behavior and plays a significant role in the survival of ant colonies. The act of brood transport allows for the dispersal of young ants to new nesting sites, which helps to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy ant populations.

Overall, scutelliphily is a fascinating example of animal behavior and highlights the complex social and reproductive structures of ants.