Suicide bombers in ant world: Ants, which explode to protect their colony

Apart from humans, there are other creatures as well, who are willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect their group when they see an approaching danger. Among them are a species of ants found in the forests of Borneo. Known scientifically as Colobopsis explodens, these ants self-destruct to defeat enemies when they perceive a threat to their colony. They primarily inhabit trees in the tropical rainforests of Borneo, Thailand, and Malaysia.

They belong to the Camponotus ant genus and are called kamikaze, a name derived from the 'kamikaze' pilots who were ready to die in World War II to accomplish their mission. When an attacker threatens the colony, these ants raise their rear ends as a warning. If the enemy ignores the warning to proceed, the ant arches its body, applying extreme pressure to the muscles in its abdomen. This causes the abdominal gland, containing a toxic fluid, to swell like a balloon, and burst. This tactic is used when the enemy is very close. Though the ant dies, this action allows it to spray a sticky, yellow venom gel onto the enemy. This venom enters the enemy's body and kills it.

To ensure the venom is effective, Colobopsis explodens often bursts while positioned on top of its opponent. Researchers are still unsure of the exact composition of this quickly lethal fluid, though it's believed to contain antibacterial components and multiple toxins.

Not all ants in the Colobopsis explodens species are self-destroying. The smallest worker ants are the ones who become the "suicide bombers". Larger worker ants use their large heads to create barricades and protect the colony. Another curious fact is that the self-exploding small worker ants are sterile; they are aware that their own survival isn't necessary for the continuation of their species. They willingly sacrifice themselves to defeat the enemy and protect their colony.