Scientists studied one kind of ant found in Africa—the Matabele （馬塔贝莱蚂蚁）. These ants eat other bigger insects called termites （白蚁）. The termites fight back by biting the ants legs. When ants get injured， they give off9 a chemical10 compound called pheromones （费洛蒙） that tells the others they need help.

Other ants come pick up the injured ants. They carry them back to the nest （see photo）. The injured ants keep still11 to make it easier for the helpers to carry them. Then the healthy ants lick the broken legs of the injured ants. Scientists think the licking helps the legs heal12.

The injured ants are more likely to live if they get help. When they recover， they can go hunt termites（白蚁） again.

科学家们对非洲马塔贝莱蚂蚁进行了研究。这些蚂蚁会捕食比它们体型更大的白蚁。而白蚁往往回击，撕咬对方的腿部，导致大量蚂蚁受伤。受伤的蚂蚁会释放化学物质费洛蒙向同伴求救。

同伴随后会带它们返回蚂蚁窝（见图）。受伤的蚂蚁往往保持身体僵直，方便同伴扛带，同伴更会为其舔舐伤口疗伤。研究人员认为舔舐有助于伤口的愈合。

获得帮助的蚂蚁往往更容易康复，以便继续与白蚁战斗。