Yes, ants do eliminate waste, though not in the same way as mammals. While they don't have separate urinary and digestive tracts like humans, they do excrete liquid waste. Research shows that ants have designated areas within their nests for waste disposal, functioning as communal toilets. This behavior helps maintain hygiene and prevents the spread of bacteria within the colony. Tomer Czaczkes's research directly supports this, showing ants establish dedicated "toilets" inside their nests.
Furthermore, some ant species exhibit a cooperative "peeing" behavior to control flooding in their nests. They drink water, leave the nest, and then excrete it on the outside of the structure. This study details this unique adaptation. While not directly urination in the mammalian sense, it demonstrates the ants' ability to eliminate liquid waste.
The presence of ants around urine can also indicate high sugar content. Historically, the presence of ants in urine was even used as an indicator of diabetes, due to the sugar attracting the insects. This historical practice highlights the ants' sensitivity to sugary substances.
In summary, while the process isn't exactly like mammalian urination, ants do eliminate liquid waste products. They manage waste effectively through specialized disposal areas within their nests and, in some cases, exhibit cooperative behaviors for waste management in other contexts.
