5 replies to this topic

[AntswerMe]

This may seem like a silly question, but I ponder: Can ants consume alcohol? I don't drink but it came to my mind as I was observing a littered beer bottle cap. Would ants even touch it, would they die if they consumed it? How would ants react to a drop of alcohol or an alcoholic beverage in their out world?

[drtrmiller]

I have observed ants drinking liquids with incredibly high concentrations of ethyl alcohol, with no apparent ill effect.  Some ants, however, may be repelled by it.

[AntswerMe]

Interesting. Thanks!

[drtrmiller]

Please note, however, that it was also observed that inhalation of the same, was acutely dangerous—especially to tiny ants.  Removal to fresh air shortly after exposure reversed the effects.

 

Feeding must be done with very good ventilation, so the ethanol vapors do not accumulate in the enclosure to unsafe levels.

[AntswerMe]

I see. I was unsure if they could drink it but inhaling it's vapors is surely unhealthy.

[Connectimyrmex]

Picture drunken ants..

I guess they could survive a tiny dew-drop sized portion, but a large quantity would kill (even caffeine kills ants).