The behavior of ants removing deceased members from their nests is a crucial aspect of colony hygiene. This practice involves worker ants identifying and transporting lifeless individuals away from the living quarters and food storage areas. The purpose is to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a healthy environment within the highly populated nest.
This sanitary procedure offers significant benefits for the entire ant colony. By quickly removing decaying bodies, the risk of contamination from pathogens and parasites is substantially reduced. Historically, this behavior has been observed across various ant species, demonstrating its evolutionary importance in ensuring colony survival and overall fitness.
