How Birds Use Fungal Fibers to Create Anti-Ant Barriers

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Anti-Ant

Got ants? There’s a fungi for that! Yellow-olive flycatchers incorporate fungal fibers in their nests to deter ant invaders in swollen-thorn acacia trees.

• Ants aggressively defend tree-homes from other animals

• Horsehair fungus fibers create an invisible barrier for nests

• Ants that touch the fibers appear intoxicated and back off

Over 176 bird species utilize fungal fibers for other purposes such as water repellency and antimicrobial barriers. This semi-natural barrier has spurred more research into similar ecological warfare in nature. We need a fungal picnic blanket.

Fungi Fence

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