7 Comments

What at read, absolutely fascinating. The scientists that figure all that out are beyond belief, as is the process of evolution that creates the critters and their behavior. You’re going to love the new book ‘An Immense World” we chatted about on the hike, right up your alley.

Expand full comment

I can’t wait to read it!

Expand full comment

Love this! Found you on Affirmation Chickens. Which I love!

Expand full comment

I love Affirmation Chickens too! Glad you like it!

Expand full comment

I find this somewhat disturbing, but nowhere near as disturbing as the animals that "zombify" other animals, such as the Gordian worm or ichneumon wasp. These might be something to look up on an empty stomach, especially the Gordian worm.

Expand full comment

As usual, you give me lots to think about, Melanie! This is definitely a rabbit hole I want to dive down. But thanks for the empty stomach warning...

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
June 18, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

They are fascinating, aren't they?! I'm wondering about the dead comrade - why would they carry him? Do they take him back to the home nest to bury? Or was he perhaps wounded and not dead, and if so, would they nurture him back to health?

Something else I found out but didn't include in the piece, is that most of the workers are female. The males just supply sperm to the queen and only live about a week or so - the workers, including the slaves, live 1-3 years...

Expand full comment