Why do ants go in a circle when they are about to die?
The phenomenon of ants going in a circle when they are about to die is known as the "death spiral" or "ant mill." It typically occurs in certain ant species, such as army ants or desert ants, and is a result of a breakdown in their navigational abilities.
When ants follow pheromone trails, they rely on detecting the strength and concentration of pheromones to navigate. In the death spiral, a circular trail of ants forms, with each ant following the one in front. Due to the circular nature of the trail, the ants end up continuously following one another, unable to break out of the loop.
The death spiral can ultimately lead to the death of the entire colony if not disrupted. Factors such as exhaustion, dehydration, or a lack of external stimuli may contribute to the breakdown in navigation and the formation of the death spiral.
If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating behaviors and biology of ants, you can read the article "Fascinating Ants: An Introduction to Their Behavior and Biology."