Abstract: Homing behaviour in the ant, Tetramorium caespitum, with food was quantitatively studied. We demonstrate that after obtaining food the ant workers are able to rapidly return to their nest along a new, ‘beeline’ route and are not bound to retrace their outward tortuous routes during foraging. The sun and polarized skylight pattern can be used as a cue for homing, and a nonpolarized lighting can guide the ant home directly as well. The results suggest that T. caespitum with an advanced social structure uses the brain to navigate by the light.

Key words: Tetramorium caespitum, homing, vision, pathintegration