How Do Dead Ants Attract More Ants?
WouterWhenever an ant dies, it emits pheromones to warn other ants of danger. Pheromones can also signal the ants’ sexual desires and food sources. During a funeral, many animals have rituals around the dead.
In a midden, ants take dead comrades to a sacred place. These places are known as graveyards for the dead. These ants are highly organized and have a good sense of smell. They also carry away dead ants to reduce the risk of contamination.
As soon as a comrade dies, the ants investigate the cause of death. If there is no danger, they carry the comrade to a midden. This prevents the spread of disease.
When ants die, they release chemicals called oleic acid. These chemicals are found in all ants. They are also known to contaminate ant colonies.
If the ant has died of a disease, it can contaminate other ants and cause illness. Other ants are able to smell the oleic acid and will respond by rejecting the ant. They will then carry the ant to the dead ant pile. This will also attract more ants.
Ants carry away dead comrades to the midden, but they do not mourn their death. They do not have a sense of honor like humans. They are not allowed to wear protective equipment like humans do.
In the midden, they can smell the pheromones released by the dead ant. These pheromones cause the ants to walk in a straight line. If there is a predator near the ant, the ants will investigate and protect themselves.
