Colobopsis explodens

Colobopsis explodens
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Formicidae
Subfamily:	Formicinae
Genus:	Colobopsis
Species:	C. explodens
Binomial name
	Colobopsis explodens; Laciny & Zettel 2018

Overview

Colobopsis explodens is a species of ant which is found in Southeast Asia. Like some other species in its genus, it is noted for a rare combat mechanism of workers exploding in self-defense, smothering the enemy with toxic and often deadly secretion.^[1] This suicidal defensive adaptation also occurs among some species of termites: it is termed autothysis, and as ants and termites are members of practically unrelated insect orders, it comprises a dramatic example of convergent evolution.

Defenses

In the past, it was informally known as "yellow goo," named after the brightly colored “goo” produced by its exploding worker ants.^[2]

Territory

They are found in countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Borneo. Their colonies can contain thousands of individual ants and inhabit the leafy canopies of trees. The species “Dipterocarpaceae” is noted as a main source of shelter for this particular kind of ants. They fit within the species nesting needs around 131 feet (40 meters) and 197 feet (60 meters) and cover an area of at least 26,900 square feet (2,500 square meters).^[2]

^Self-defense

^{This species is known for its unique way of self-defense. The earliest recording was in 1916, but it was detailed fully in 1974. When threatened, it will voluntarily flex its gasters and explode, producing a highly toxic chemical sludge (with a spice-like smell) that will hopefully cover and kill or repel said instigator. In addition to helping protect the ant against potentially threatening predators, it is thought due to its “strong antimicrobial and low insecticidal activity of the mandibular gland.” to be a way the ants disinfect and protect their nest against harmful bacteria and fungus that could be problems for the colony.}

Diet

^{They are omnivores, and they are the majority of scavengers. They eat fruits, dead insects, and even fish if it's near their nests.}

Gallery

Head of Colobopsis explodens worker
Colobopsis explodens worker
Colobopsis explodens worker. (a) vertex of major worker (paratype), (b) gastral tergite I, (c) gastral tergite IV of minor worker (holotype), (d) labels of holotype, minor worker
Colobopsis explodens soldier. (a) full-face view, (b) frontal shield (c) lateral view, (d) dorsal view
Colobopsis explodens queen. (a) full-face view, (b) frontal shield (c) lateral view, (d) dorsal view, (e) forewing with indicated measurements 2r and 4RsM
Colobopsis explodens male. (a) full-face view, (b) wings (c) lateral view, (d) dorsal view
Colobopsis explodens male reproductive system and genitals. (a) dorsal, (b) ventral (c) lateral view, (d) left penis valve, (e) right volsella and gonostylus