Found in the remote rainforests of Borneo, Colobopsis explodens ants have developed extreme abilities to protect their colony. When threatened by other insects, these ‘exploding ants’ rupture their own body walls, releasing a toxic, sticky liquid which kills or immobilizes their attacker. Outside the kitchen door at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Center in Brunei, on a number of trees near the balcony, there is a nest of very special ants. Workers of C. explodens have a distinctive, rather foul talent. When their nest is invaded, they rupture their own abdomens, releasing a sticky, bright yellow fluid laced with toxins on their attackers. Similar to honey bees that die after stinging, the exploded ants do not survive, but their sacrifice can help save the colony. Scientists call this suicidal behaviour “autothysis”.
Some ants (called door-keepers) have even developed plug-shaped heads used to physically barricade the nest entrances against intruders. These ants explode, but their nests live to see another day.
Credit : The Newyork Times
Picture Credit : Google
