There are “clear parallels” between the way humans have socially-distanced during the pandemic and the behaviour of ants, according to Chris Packham.
The insects also employ the technique to avoid disease spreading throughout their colonies, the broadcaster and environmentalist said.
As part of his Animal Einsteins programmes, Packham will explore how once ants are infected with a fungal disease they will spend less time inside the nest, while also increasing the distance between themselves and healthy ants in order to reduce transmission.
Episode four of his BBC Two series will see him join forces with University of Bristol scientist Dr Nathalie Stroeymeyt to demonstrate the ants’ behaviours.