The Effect of the Tapeworm on Longevity in Ants

Foytzick and her team found that the tapeworm larvae produce and secrete more than 250 proteins into the hemolymph of the infected ants. The parasite's manipulation extended the lifespan of workers so much that Cronauer says you basically can't distinguish it from a queen's. Although the infected acorn ant workers don't become reproductive, Foytzick says they do become more queen-like in several respects.