Ant colonies, known for their teamwork and structured hierarchy, exhibit a darker side as new research reveals that worker ants can be manipulated into killing their own queens by parasitic queens. This manipulation occurs through a chemical spray that alters the perception of the resident queen, leading workers to view her as a threat. The study, published in Current Biology, emphasizes that this behavior challenges the long-standing belief that ant colonies are stable and cooperative. Instead, it highlights the role of parasitism in influencing colony dynamics, suggesting that chemical communication is vital for maintaining social order. The findings also raise concerns about pest management strategies, as disrupting chemical systems may have unintended consequences for ecosystems. This phenomenon of manipulation is not unique to ants; it is observed in various species, indicating a widespread evolutionary strategy for survival.