Does nature or nurture determine an ant's place in society? A little of both, for one species of harvester ant, at least. This kind of flexibility allows the colony to respond to changing conditions successfully.

A male jumping spider guards his mate in this photo taken by an ASU researcher.

A male jumping spider cannot hide his intentions. A brilliant red face signals that the spider is in search of a mate.

In the world of birds, where fancy can be as fleeting as flight, the color of the bird apparently has a profound effect on more than just its image. A new study of barn swallows reveals it also affects the bird’s physiology. --by Skip Derra

An unusual new species of whirligig beetle from India has been named Orectochilus orbisonorum in honor of the late rock and roll legend Roy Orbison and his widow Barbara. ASU entomologist Quentin Wheeler announced the description and discovery of the beetle species Jan. 25 during a Roy Orbison Tribute Concert at ASU. Barbara was also presented with an original print titled "Whirligig," created by ASU's CJ Kazilek.

The elusive Gila monster hides a nifty trick under its belt--a bladder that acts like a canteen, making up 20 percent of its body weight when full. The adaptation lets the lizard survive up to 95 days without access to water--long enough to endure the rigors of the Sonoran Desert. --by Margaret Coulombe

The aye-aye is a rare and bizarre-looking primate, native to Madagascar. Its large eyes are a puzzle to biologists. Why does a nocturnal creature have the ability to see colors? Researchers at ASU are studying this endangered species in the hopes of learning more about the evolution of color vision. --by Joe Caspermeyer

Paper wasps are primitive social insects. But when a paper wasp larvae slips into the quiet pupal stage, she doesn’t know if she’ll arise a worker or gyne (a future queen). Unless, of course, she consults with Arizona State University’s social insect researcher Gro Amdam. --by Margaret Coulombe

Mom always said, “Eat your veggies and good things will happen. She may have been right all along, according to the results from a new study of zebra finches at Arizona State University. --by Skip Derra

Butterflies have taken their colors and flash seriously--into the ultraviolet wavelengths where humans cannot see, but butterflies can. They utilize pigments and nanoscale structures that make human nanofabrication look downright crude, and make female butterflies swoon. (full text in SOLS News)

When it comes to the social behavior of honeybees, evolution may have taught old genes some new tricks.--by Dan Jenk

In frogs, a chemical called Allurin acts like designer perfumes. Males are lured to the right spot to meet Princess Froggy. If it's good enough for frogs, what about humans? --by Margaret Coulombe