Scientists have identified a remarkable ant species in Japan, Temnothorax kinomurai, that exists solely as queens. This parasitic species invades nests of another ant species, Temnothorax makora, and reproduces asexually through parthenogenesis, creating genetically identical clone queens.
These parasitic queens do not produce workers or males. Instead, they rely on the host colony's workers for foraging and brood care. After successfully taking over a host nest, the invading queen's offspring, also all queens, are raised by the host workers. If a takeover is successful, the parasitic queens can then move on to infiltrate and conquer new T. makora colonies, continuing the cycle of asexual reproduction and nest hijacking. This unique combination of social parasitism and asexual reproduction sets T. kinomurai apart from all other known ant species.