Wild Insides
#4Weird nature
The Moth That Drinks Tears From Sleeping Birds
In the forests of Madagascar, one moth feeds on something stranger than nectar.
Short. Strange. True.The real science
ants · aphids · ant farming · honeydew · ladybug · insect facts
The real science
Ants guard aphids from hungry ladybugs, but they aren't doing it to be kind. They milk the aphids for sugary honeydew, and some ants bite the wings off aphids so the herd can't fly away. Chemicals in the ants' footprints even slow the aphids down so they wander less.
Don’t try anything shown in this video.
Follow the facts
- Imperial College London: Herding aphids – how 'farmer' ants keep control of their food
- National Geographic: Ants herd aphids with tranquilisers in their footsteps
- PMC: Ant semiochemicals limit apterous aphid dispersal
Ask about this science
Curious about something in “These Ants Farm Bugs And Rip Off Their Wings”? Our AI-powered helper answers using only this page’s write-up and sources.
AI answers can be wrong; check the sources. Not medical advice.
Our illustrations simplify anatomy and scale. Educational content only; not medical advice.
Watch this on TikTokStill curious?
#4
#47Weird nature
These Bees Cook An Intruder Alive
When a giant hornet scout finds a Japanese honeybee nest, hundreds of bees pile onto it and form a tight ball.
Short. Strange. True.The real science
#32Weird nature
This Spider Goes Fishing With Fake Moth Perfume
Bolas spiders don't build a normal web.
Short. Strange. True.The real science