# Intelligent Insects Tiny RFID Transponders Track Ant Nesting Tactics for Science By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-05-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radio-wearing-insects-tiny-rfid-transponders-track-ant-nesting-tactics-for References: [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/5193699/Ants-fitted-with-radio-transmitters-for-scientific-study.html) & [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID) Bristol Scientists attached [tiny RFIDs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icetag), (radio-frequency identification transmitters,) to ants in order to study how nesting sites are chosen. The RFIDs are so mall that two thousand of the them would fit on to a postage stamp. Apparently, ants are very logical when moving their colonies. The [scientists](http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2009/04/17/rspb.2009.0350) learned that ants send out scouts before making a final selection. In the end, ants choose a superior nest many times distant over a less well-built alternative. This information would have been almost impossible to obtain without the RFID micro-technology to track the ants’ movements. The video above shows ants without RFIDs moving to a warmer location to incubate their eggs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **RFID Technology:** The use of tiny RFIDs to track and study the behaviors of insects opens up opportunities for various applications in wildlife research and conservation. - **Nesting Site Selection:** Studying the logical decision-making process of insects in choosing nesting sites presents opportunities for designing efficient algorithms and decision-making models in fields like urban planning and logistics. - **Micro-technology for Tracking:** The development of miniaturized tracking technology allows for more precise and non-invasive monitoring of animal movements, creating opportunities in wildlife management and animal behavior research. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Wildlife Research:** The application of RFID technology in tracking and studying insect behavior can revolutionize the field of wildlife research, providing new insights into habitat preferences and migration patterns. - **Conservation:** By understanding the nesting site selection process of insects, conservationists can optimize habitat restoration efforts and promote targeted conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity. - **Technology Development:** The advancement of micro-technology for tracking insects can drive innovation in fields such as robotics, sensor networks, and miniaturized devices for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI Pest Identification Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pest-identification-system.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Vital Statistic Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zebras-rfid-tags.md) - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Pest-Slaying Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pestslaying-agricultural-robot.md) - [Insect-Inspired Strategy Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empire-of-the-ants.md) - [Lifelong Wildlife Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildlife-tracker.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md)