Snakes Vs. Ants: A Foul Fight

It seems like a strange fight, snakes versus ants. But snakes and ants have occupied the same underground environments for centuries and have become familiar with each other as neighbors typically do. The earliest snakes, some of which are ancestors of the worm-like Texas blindsnake, had to protect and defend themselves from aggressive ants. Their primary weapon? Secreting foul-smelling toxins from the base of their tails. These toxins not only act as a repellent for ants but could also paralyze and kills ants that come in contact with the secretion. 

Why is this important to agriculture? These findings will help researchers study alternative tools that farmers and citizens can use to manage ant populations.  Read more here.