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
Even more interestingly, having poked around a bit in the literature, it looks like two major components of the yellow goo are:
E-2-ethyl-2-hexen-1-ol
4-hydroxymellein
And neither of these have been found in insects before
(Melleins are toxic compounds typically produced by moulds)
Except, of course, The Simpsons writers, who did it nine years ago... and... er... H.G. Wells, who did it in 1905...
Hey, Al, a thought... how long is Empire of the Ants?
A xenomorph specialized in clearing other infestations by detonating itself, sending that acid blood everywhere. Yeah, we should have a scene of this already,
Another 📷 from my hike yesterday. Large red ants marching along are a common sight here. I thought they were carrying seeds, but on closer inspection I think they’re carrying decapitated heads of their fellow workers. 🐜
