Crows Invite Ants to Attack Them – Weirdest Animal Behaviors

Summary

Explore the weird and wonderful behaviors of animals in this captivating video! From crows using ants for parasite control to penguins stealing pebbles for love, the animal kingdom offers surprising and quirky strategies for survival. Discover how fungi turn ants into 'zombies,' why crocodiles welcome birds into their mouths for dental care, and how fireflies sync their flashes for mating rituals. With bizarre interactions like singing mice and mudskippers walking on land, this video dives into nature's most curious phenomena.

Takeaways

• 😀 Crows engage in a behavior called 'anting,' where they let ants crawl on them to kill parasites and potentially enjoy a chemical high from the ants' formic acid.
• 😀 Fungi turn ants into 'zombies' by hijacking their brains, making them climb plants and bite leaves, where they eventually die and release spores to infect others.
• 😀 Male owl singing mice use ultrasonic duets to defend territory and attract females, with songs so high-pitched that only specific animals can hear them.
• 😀 Crocodiles allow birds like Egyptian vultures to sit in their mouths and pick their teeth, benefiting from dental care and parasite removal.
• 😀 Snow monkeys in Japan soak in hot springs to survive freezing winters, a behavior that became a cultural tradition after observing humans do the same.
• 😀 Parrot fish wrap themselves in slimy mucus at night, creating a protective cocoon to hide their scent from predators and blend into the reef.
• 😀 Octopuses in Australia have been observed throwing shells and debris at each other, possibly to defend space or as a sign of frustration during mating.
• 😀 Leaf cutter ants farm fungus underground, using bacteria to protect the fungus from harmful molds, and have an efficient, cooperative farming system.
• 😀 Deer rub their antlers against tree bark to shed velvet, signaling territory to rivals, and leaving scent marks for other deer to follow.
• 😀 Fireflies in areas like Thailand synchronize their flashing in perfect unison as a mating ritual, with males flashing specific patterns to attract females.

Q & A

Why do crows let ants attack them?

Crows allow ants to crawl over them because ants release formic acid, which acts as a natural insecticide to kill parasites like mites in the bird's feathers. Additionally, the acid might provide the crows with a chemical high, similar to how humans enjoy spicy foods.

What is the process by which fungi turn ants into zombies?

The fungus *Ophiocordyceps* infects carpenter ants by hijacking their brains. It makes the ant leave its colony, climb a plant, and bite into a leaf at a specific height where the fungus thrives. The fungus consumes the ant's organs, and a stalk erupts from its head to release spores and infect more ants.

How do singing mice use ultrasonic songs in their duets?

Male owl singing mice sing high-pitched ultrasonic duets to defend their territory. These songs, which are too high for humans to hear, last up to 20 seconds. The mice engage in a vocal exchange, with females preferring males with longer and more complex songs, even though this behavior exposes them to predators.

Why do crocodiles allow birds to sit in their mouths?

Crocodiles open their mouths and let birds, such as Egyptian vultures, pick meat from their teeth. This mutualistic relationship benefits both, as the birds get a free meal while the crocodiles receive dental care and parasite removal.

What is the significance of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs?

Snow monkeys in Japan soak in hot springs to survive freezing winters. This behavior started in the 1960s when a hotel built a hot spring for tourists, and the monkeys copied humans. Soaking helps reduce stress, improve blood flow, and maintain thicker, healthier fur.

How do parrot fish use mucus as a protective cocoon?

Parrot fish wrap themselves in a mucous cocoon at night to hide their scent from predators like moray eels and sharks. The mucus also blends the fish into the reef and has antimicrobial properties, protecting them from infections.

Why do octopuses throw shells at each other?

Octopuses throw shells, silt, and algae at each other, possibly as a territorial defense mechanism or out of frustration. The behavior, often seen in female octopuses, can also occur when males harass females, and the octopus might be using it to claim space or clear debris.

How do leaf cutter ants farm fungus underground?

Leaf cutter ants have a unique farming system where they cultivate fungus by cutting leaves and using them as food for the fungus. The ants also produce antibiotics on their bodies to protect the fungus from harmful molds. This cooperative system has existed for over 50 million years.

Why do deer rub their antlers against tree bark?

Deer rub their antlers against tree bark to shed the velvet, which itches as it dries. This act also marks their territory, signaling their strength to rivals. The velvet is rich in proteins and hormones, aiding in antler growth.

Why do fireflies flash in perfect unison?

Fireflies flash in perfect synchronization as part of their mating ritual. The flashing is a form of communication, where males signal with patterns of light, and females reply by matching their rhythms. This behavior is coordinated by the fireflies' internal biological clocks.