The Economic Times

Tapeworms aren't just harmful to your brain. These tiny parasites can turn ordinary worker ants into long-living, queen-like survivors and make them live longer, study finds

A tapeworm infection dramatically alters worker ants, making them live much longer. These infected ants exhibit physiological changes that partially resemble queen ants. Their fat bodies show a queen-like metabolic profile, while their brains become less active. Scientists found the parasite influences ants indirectly by altering their biological control systems. This unusual relationship offers a new model for studying aging and host manipulation.