Necrophoresis (the carrying of dead) is a behaviour seen in ants to maintain good sanitation in the colony. Ants recognise death by the by the presence of a chemical compound produced during decomposition.
Oleic acid is the compound released from dead ants that triggers necrophoric behaviour. E.O. Wilson has noted that artificially applying Oleic acid to living individuals will lead their nest mates to carrying them to the refuse pile and dumping them, despite being very much alive.
This would seem to denote that the visual stimuli (the fact the living ant is still moving) has no basis in their decision, or at least is overridden by the presence of Oleic acid.
Tags: Frequently Asked Question | Morphology & Physiology | Behaviour | E.O. Wilson
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