How Do Ants Notice Missing Ants?
WouterDuring foraging for food, ants lay down pheromone trails to tell other ants where food is. Pheromones also indicate danger to other ants. When ants notice a pheromone trail, they reinforce the trail. If a food source is close, ants may bring a bigger portion of their colony to check it out.
Ants are highly organized. They have structured hierarchies and work as a team. They are also known for their remarkable sense of direction. If they become disoriented, they will make a U-turn and get back on track. They also have a great sense of smell.
Ants have a “hive mind.” It’s a system that enables them to make complex decisions beyond individual components. Some of these decisions are even made at the macro level.
When an ant becomes injured, other ants will carry it back to the nest to treat it. They will also lick it to reduce the risk of infection. The injured ant will then secrete a chemical substance that will send a signal to other ants. This chemical is called oleic acid. Ants that are covered in oleic acid will feign death until the chemical washes off.
When an ant is found dead, it will not be noticed immediately by other ants. However, they will likely notice it after three days. In some situations, ants will use vibration or touch to make the signal.
If there is danger to the dead ant, other ants will avoid it. They may even investigate the ant.
