Heroic self-exploding ants that give their lives for their fellows (6 photos)

Tiny, hard-working insects attract close attention from entomologists. They are responsible, highly organized, smart. It also turned out that they have a unique ability - to explode.





Of course, such feints can be performed not by all ants, but by certain species. In particular, the relatively new species Camponotus saundersi. Yes, exploding ants. Almost kamikazes, whose habitats are Brunei and Malaysia.



Nature provided them with a unique feature due to a special sticky secretion, which for the time being is reliably hidden in the abdomen. But in case of danger - an attack or its threat, the insect sharply contracts its abdominal muscles, resulting in toxic sticky liquid splashing in different directions.





It hardens quickly in the air. And when it hits an enemy, it glues him together, slowing down his movement. Of course, brave ants will not kill all their enemies in this way. But it’s calm to delay the attack so that your comrades can reorganize for defense.



Naturally, self-sacrifice for the brave little ones ends in death. But the chances of survival for others increase significantly. This behavior is typical exclusively for worker ants.



By the way, Camponotus saundersi has other unusual categories, for example, a kind of doormen who, with their giant head, similar to a cork, block the entrance to the anthill in case of danger.



Of course, it is impossible to talk about the presence of a human-like mind in these insects. But this species definitely deserves attention and requires in-depth study.