They are not kissing but doing what is called trophollaxis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trophallaxis
They are eating basically. Because it would be not efficient if each ant would go home to a central feeding place, if hungry. Instead some are full and walk around and as soon as a hungry one signalling it is hungry, it gets something via trophollaxis. It is a kind of decentralized feeding.
Thank you very much for adding the information. That is even more amazing isn't it? I really though that they are transferring some kind of message via this kiss, but they are transferring food instead.
nature is really full of surprises. ;)
That is one of the most badass comments I have come across in a long time @stayoutoftherz. A lot of info packed into few words, with a link also. I thought you were just a mythical whale autovoter but is see I was ignorant... about ants and your activity on Hive. hahahhaha
Thanks! I am not a whale (yet) and I do a lot of comments :)
More of my science posts, incl. 2 extensive ones about ants: https://peakd.com/ccc/stayoutoftherz/meine-besten-science-posts-my-best-science-related-posts
I am also a witness and would appriciate a vote 😌
I had to look a long time ago and realized your full name meant Stay Out of the Red Zone, which made me think you were into American Football. hahaha I have seen our paths cross a few times on AI art stuff and I was catching up with curating the PL community and came across this discussion. Figured I would comment. I did notice you do a lot with/for Hive Chess too. I had to remove one of my witness votes and you now have my vote. Thank you for all you do for Hive.