design: DNA was extracted from the gaster of individual ants using Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kits. Samples were submitted to Beijing Novogene Bioinformatics Technology Co., Ltd for 16S rRNA gene library preparation, specifically targeting the V4 region. The pooled libraries were sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq6000 SP platform, generating 2x250 bp paired-end reads.