c0nc0rdance: Colobopsis explodens use a strategy called autothysis (Greek for "self-sacrifice"), which only makes sense from a Darwinian perspective if the group being protected is very closely related, as in eusocial insects (the other example of autothysis is in eusocial termites, Globitermes sulphureus)

Colobopsis explodens use a strategy called autothysis (Greek for "self-sacrifice"), which only makes sense from a Darwinian perspective if the group being protected is very closely related, as in eusocial insects (the other example of autothysis is in eusocial termites, Globitermes sulphureus)

TIL I learned about Colobopis explodens (yes, that’s really their name) ants If attacked, they bite the predator, angle their bottoms towards it, and explode. The exploding ant dies, but releases a toxic, spicy-scented yellow substance which also kills the predator, protecting the colony

I used to say, “go home, Nature, you’re drunk.” But this time? I think hallucinogens are involved. Nature’s gotta be trippin’.

Proof of the threat “I’m gonna get you if it kills me!!”

I was just thinking about how bees die after using their stinger but wasps don't. Is there a reason why self-sacrificial stinging would be favored over the non-lethal type in certain settings? I can't imagine that a wasp type stinger would be much more costly than a bee one

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