The Ants’ Pincers as Nature’s Sutures
When a person suffered a wound that required closure, these resourceful healers would bring the edges of the wound together, allowing the ants to clamp onto the skin with their mandibles. The ants would then bite down on the skin, effectively holding it in place. This simple yet effective technique could be used for various types of wounds, from small cuts to more substantial injuries.The Role of Ants in Promoting Healing
Beyond their practical use as living sutures, ants might have had additional benefits in the healing process. The application of ants to a wound might have introduced certain antimicrobial properties, as the ants’ mouths contain substances that could help prevent infections. Moreover, the process of wound closure through ant-biting was relatively quick and minimally invasive, reducing the risk of complications that could arise from more invasive surgical methods.The Careful Removal of Ants
Once the ants had served their purpose in stitching the wound, they were not simply left behind. Instead, the healers would carefully remove the ants’ bodies, leaving only their heads embedded in the skin. This step ensured that there were no foreign bodies left inside the wound that could cause infection or inflammation
A Testament to Human Adaptability