Zinc kinetics in the ant Myrmica rubra originating from a metal pollution gradient

Ants are efficient trace metal accumulators, but metal kinetics in ants has not been described. Workers of Myrmica rubra collected in seven meadows along a metal pollution gradient were exposed to dietary Zn (1000 mg kg⁻¹) for a 80 day uptake period followed by 30 days of clean food. Zn concentrations in the ants from all study sites were found to have been maintained on a stable level, indicating very efficient Zn regulation. No proof of adaptation in terms of enhanced elimination or restricted accumulation of Zn was found. Nevertheless, the results illustrate the general kinetics of Zn in M. rubra, irrespective of the differences between sites.