Why Ants Carry Dead Ants Around
WouterDespite the fact that ants do not have feelings, they carry dead ants around for a number of reasons. They do this to keep the nest clean, as well as protect themselves from predators. They also do this to avoid contamination of the colony.
In fact, ants have been known to carry dead ants around for years. Despite the fact that they do not have eyes or ears, they have an excellent sense of smell. This allows them to detect pheromones released by dead ants. These pheromones alert other ants to danger. They are then able to respond by investigating the dead ant and removing it from the nest.
Some of the dead ants are buried in middens, which are structures where ants leave waste. This is known as the ant’s “dumpster”. This keeps the dead ants out of the nest and provides a safe place for the ants to be buried. The midden also serves as a safety measure for the queen.
During the course of their studies, researchers found that ants react to dead ants by releasing a chemical called oleic acid. This chemical smells like death and alerts other ants to the presence of the dead ant.
When other ants smell the oleic acid, they react by searching the nest for the dead ant. Eventually, they find the dead ant and transport it to the midden. They will also bury it to keep it from being contaminated.
