Ants have graveyards!

This fascinating practice is part of their hygiene management system, which helps them maintain the health and productivity of the colony

Hyderabad: Ants are remarkably organised creatures, and some species exhibit a unique behaviour: they designate specific areas within their nests as “graveyards” or refuse piles for their dead. This fascinating practice is part of their hygiene management system, which helps maintain the health and productivity of the colony.

When an ant dies, its body begins to emit chemical signals, such as oleic acid, that signal its death to other members of the colony. Worker ants, often tasked with cleaning duties, detect these signals and transport the deceased ant to the designated graveyard area. These burial sites are usually located at the periphery of the nest or in chambers specifically set aside for waste disposal.

By isolating the corpses, ants minimise the risk of pathogens or parasites spreading within their densely populated colony. This is especially important in social insects, where close living quarters and constant interaction create an environment where diseases could spread rapidly.

In addition to corpses, these graveyard areas may also contain other waste materials, such as leftover food or excrement, further emphasising their role in maintaining the nest’s cleanliness. This behaviour showcases ants’ advanced social organisation and their ability to implement strategies that ensure the colony’s long-term survival.