How does a fly larva sneak into a termite nest?
With a butt shaped like a termites head,obviously.
This potentially new species has evolved remarkable adaptations to evade the colonys soldier termites, which swiftly dismember intruders.
The termite mask on the back end of a blow fly larva.© Roger Vila
The strategy is clearly working because the researchers observed the termites caring for the intruders.
This is a chance finding.
In our research group we mainly study butterflies and ants.
As it had rained a lot and the butterflies were not flying, we looked for ants.
As if that wasnt impressive enough, the larvaes breathing holes look like eyes on the termite mask.
Most termites live several meters deep and have no visual perception.
Moreover, they have also found a way to mimic the termites smell.
This odor is key to interacting with the termites and benefiting from their communal life.
It is a chemical disguise.
And benefit they do.
Their diet is currently unknown, and their adult form remains a mystery, Vila pointed out.
We are therefore confident that we have discovered a new case of social integration evolution, said Vila.
Who knows how many failed pretenders were dismembered by soldier termites before they got the camouflage right.
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