Responses by amphisbaenianBlanus cinereus to chemicals from prey or potentially harmful ant species

We tested the ability of amphisbaenians (Blanus cinereus) to discriminate between odors of ant species selected as prey (Pheidole pallidula) and odors of potentially harmful ant species (Messor barbarus) that are avoided. Tongue-flick rate to swabs impregnated with ant odors, cologne, or deionized water differed among treatments, showing that amphisbaenians were able to discriminate ant species odors. Amphisbaenians showed an aggressive response and bit applicators bearing the odor of harmful ants, while the odor of prey ants did not elicit bites to swabs. The possible evolutionary advantage of identifying and avoiding harmful ants is discussed in relation to the fossoriality of amphisbaenians.