As an entomologist with a focus on insect behavior and ecology, I can provide you with a detailed response to your question about whether ants eat dog poop.

Ants are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are known for their diverse diets, which can include a wide range of food sources from sweet nectar to insect prey and even dead animals. However, the consumption of dog feces by ants is not a common behavior and is not typically part of their diet.

The statement that "ants are using them as fecal fertilizer" to encourage the growth of fungi is an interesting hypothesis. Many ant species, particularly leaf-cutter ants, are known to cultivate fungi as a food source. They have a symbiotic relationship with the fungi, where the ants provide the fungi with plant material, and in return, the fungi provide the ants with food. However, using dog feces as a fertilizer would not be a typical method for these ants, as the nutrients and conditions required for fungal growth are not typically found in feces.

The suggestion that "poop piles have anti-microbial properties" is partially correct. Some substances in feces can indeed have antimicrobial properties, which can help to suppress the growth of certain bacteria and other microorganisms. However, this is not a primary reason why ants would be attracted to feces.

The idea that "some insects use feces as a defense or as a building material" is also accurate to some extent. Certain insects, such as dung beetles, are known to use feces for various purposes, including as a source of food, a place to lay their eggs, or even to create a ball of feces that they roll away to use as a brood chamber. Ants, however, are not typically known to use feces in this manner.

In conclusion, while ants are highly adaptable and can utilize a variety of food sources, the consumption of dog feces is not a common behavior for them. The hypotheses provided about using feces for fungal growth, anti-microbial properties, or as a building material are interesting but do not accurately represent the typical behavior of ants in relation to dog feces.

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Perhaps the ants are using them as fecal fertilizer, to encourage the growth of fungi (since many ant species grow and harvest fungus to eat). It could also be that the poop piles have anti-microbial properties. Some insects use feces as a defense or as a building material.Feb 18, 2015read more >>