The Ant Man

WUNC News | By Phoebe Judge

Published June 14, 2016 at 12:13 PM EDT

Biologist Adrian Smith, also known as "the Ant Man," studies social insect chemical communication.

The trail of ants across the kitchen counter may be a nuisance to some, but to biologist Adrian Smith, it is a fascinating phenomenon full of mystery. Smith studies the evolution of different ants and their social patterns. He also films the insects to document their intriguing characteristics.

Ant man Adrian Smith

Guest host Phoebe Judge talks with Smith, director of the Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab at the Museum of Natural Sciences. Smith speaks at the Museum’s Science café on Thursday evening.

Check out some of his YouTube videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylsLPjDjZ3Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYX4NvK4XOc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkz0L31oEZM

Phoebe Judge

Phoebe Judge is an award-winning journalist whose work has been featured on a numerous national radio programs. She regularly conducts interviews and anchors WUNC's broadcast of Here & Now. Previously, Phoebe served as producer, reporter and guest host for the nationally distributed public radio program The Story. Earlier in her career, Phoebe reported from the gulf coast of Mississippi. She covered the BP oil spill and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for Mississippi Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio. Phoebe's work has won multiple Edward R.Murrowand Associated Press awards. Phoebe was born and raised in Chicago and is graduate ofBennington Collegeand theSalt Institute for Documentary Studies.

See stories by Phoebe Judge