A newly described species of ant from Southeast Asia explodes in defense of its colony, spewing out a toxic goo that can slow down or even kill its enemies. The critters burst the walls of their own bodies, releasing a yellow irritant from special enlarged glands.
Researchers described the self-sacrificing species, which crawls the the tropical rainforests of Borneo, Thailand and Malaysia, in the journal ZooKeys. The creatures—aptly named Colobopsis explodens—will serve as a model for scientists investigating other "exploding ants."
Although researchers have discussed ants that blow themselves up in literature dating back to 1916, this is the first time a new species has been formally cataloged since 1935. Until now, scientists just referred to them as members of the "exploding ant" species group—Colobopsis cylindrica.
Read more: Ancient Butterfly Fossils Reveal The Insects Evolved Tongues 200 Million Years Ago
The ants are "particularly prone to self-sacrifice" in the face of other invertebrates—insects, spiders and crustaceans, for example—as well as nosey researchers, the authors wrote.
Like other ant species, the different members of a Colobopsis explodens colony have defined roles. Small minor workers are selfless ants that explode into yellow goo in combat, while major workers or "soldier ants" barricade the nest entrance with their massive plug-shaped heads.
Read more: Insect Sex: Watch Headless Praying Mantis Continue To Mate After Being Decapitated by Female
While the scientists were researching the impressive critters, they even managed to sample males of the species. Workers, for example, are all sterile females.
Fascinated by the bizarre insects, the team are studying a number exploding ant species as part of the Exploding Ants project. Although the selfless critters play a dominant role in their rainforest habitats, scientist still have much to learn about their biology. The team hopes to describe other species like Colobopsis explodens soon.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Katherine Hignett is a reporter based in London. She currently covers current affairs, health and science. Prior to joining Newsweek ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
