Imagine a fish that wraps itself in snot before bed, or a
fungus that turns ants into zombies. Picture
crocodiles letting birds sit in their mouths. Or penguins stealing pebbles for
love.
In this video, we’ll show you Why Do Crows Let
Ants Attack Them? Why Do Stoats Dance in Front of Their Prey? And why do snow
monkeys soak in hot springs like retirees on vacation? From octopuses throwing Shells
at Each Other to mice singing ultrasonic opera battles, the animal kingdom is
stranger than sci-fi. And stick around for fireflies throwing synchronized
light raves. Let’s dive in.
15. Why Do Crows Let Ants Attack Them?
Crows aren’t just smart—they’re also into weird spa
treatments. They lie on ant nests, letting the insects crawl all over them and
even bite. This behavior, called "anting," looks painful, but crows
do it for two reasons. First, ants release formic acid, which acts like a
natural insecticide. It kills parasites like mites hiding in the birds’
feathers. Second, the acid might give the crows a chemical high. Some
scientists think the tingling sensation could feel good, similar to how humans
enjoy spicy food. If ants aren’t available, crows improvise with citrus peels,
mothballs, or even cigarette butts. Over 200 bird species practice anting, but
crows prefer the "passive" method—sitting still as ants crawl over
them. Historical records, like naturalist James Audubon’s 1830s notes on turkeys’
anting, suggest this behavior has evolved over centuries. Modern studies
confirm formic acid disrupts parasites’ nervous systems, making them easier to
remove during grooming.
This behavior isn’t just random; it’s passed down through
generations, proving crows have culture. Next time you see a crow flopping on
the ground, it’s not hurt—it’s just having a bug bath.
14. Why Do Fungi Turn
Ants into Zombies?
If you thought The
Last of Us was fiction, think again. A fungus called Ophiocordyceps infects
ants, hijacking their brains. Discovered in 1859 by Alfred Russel Wallace, it
infects carpenter ants in tropical forests. The ant leaves its colony, climbs a
plant, and bites a leaf. They eventually bite into a leaf vein at a precise
height (25 cm above ground) where humidity favors fungal growth. The ant’s jaws
lock in a “death grip,” and the fungus consumes its organs. Days later, a stalk
erupts from the ant’s head, releasing spores to infect more ants. Researchers
like David Hughes found fungal cells secrete chemicals that atrophy jaw
muscles, ensuring the ant stays locked to the leaf
This isn’t a quick
death. The fungus controls the ant’s muscles without touching its brain, like a
puppeteer. Scientists found infected ants walk in a zigzag pattern, likely to
avoid sunlight.
Humans are safe (for
now), but the fungus inspired the video game The Last of Us. Researchers study
it to understand mind control in nature.
13. How Do Singing
Mice Belt Out Ultrasonic Duets?
Male Alston’s
singing mice in Central America belt out high-pitched duets to defend
territory. Their songs are ultrasonic (too high for humans to hear) and last up
to 20 seconds. In 2022, scientists found their songs match bird vocalizations
in complexity.
The mice sing
back-and-forth like rappers in a battle. If one mouse starts, rivals reply
within seconds. Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered these mice
have specialized brain circuits for rapid vocal exchanges, responding to rivals
within 0.2 seconds—faster than a human blink.
Females prefer males
with longer, more complex tunes. But it’s risky: singing exposes them to owls
and snakes. These mice are the only mammals besides humans and bats known to
engage in real-time vocal turn-taking. These mice prove even tiny creatures can
be rockstars. Their concerts are silent to us, but in the jungle, it’s a rodent
opera night.
If you liked this video so far, leave a like and you can also check out 8 Animals That Survived The
Impossible on our channel 4 Ever Green.
12. Why Do Crocodiles
Let Birds Sit in Their Mouths?
Crocodiles could
swallow a plover bird in one gulp. Instead, they open wide and let the bird
pick their teeth. Plovers eat leftover meat stuck in croc teeth, getting a free
meal while the croc gets dental care. Ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote
about this 2,400 years ago, calling it the "trochilus" myth.
This partnership is
rare—most animals avoid apex predators. But crocs stay still, even tilting
their heads for better access. If the bird pecks too hard, the croc might snap
its jaws as a warning. Plovers also eat parasites like leeches from the crocs’
gums.
Modern scientists
confirm it happens, but it’s not common. In 2016, researchers in Kenya’s Mamba
Village crocodile farm observed Nile crocodiles allowing Egyptian plovers to
clean their teeth, noting the crocs often float with mouths open as an
invitation. Oxpeckers clean rhinos and cleaner fish help sharks, but
crocodiles teaming up with plovers is unique due to the croc's size and fierce
reputation. David Attenborough highlighted this unusual partnership in his
documentary "Life in Cold Blood," describing it as "one of
nature's boldest collaborations.
11. Why Do Snow
Monkeys Soak in Hot Springs?
In Japan’s snowy
mountains, macaques soak in hot springs like retirees on vacation. These
monkeys, called snow monkeys, use the warm water to survive freezing winters.
Their faces turn pink, and they sit with eyes closed, looking oddly human.
But it’s not all
zen. Monkeys fight over the best spots, pushing rivals into the snow.
Higher-ranking females get prime seats, while younger ones wait their turn. The
behavior started in the 1960s when a hotel built a hot spring for tourists. The
monkeys copied humans, and now it’s a cultural tradition. The monkeys’ spa
habit has turned Jigokudani into a tourist hotspot. Visitors to Jigokudani Park
often compare them to tiny, hairy yogis.
Research by
primatologist Dr. Rafaela Takeshita (Kyoto University, 2018) found soaking
lowers stress hormones, just like in humans relaxing in spas. In winter,
monkeys spend up to 30% of their day bathing, their faces flushed pink from the
heat. They even groom each other in the water, mixing hygiene with social
bonding. A 2021 study in Primates journal noted monkeys who bathe regularly
have thicker winter fur, likely from improved blood flow.
10. Why Do Parrotfish
Sleep in Snotty Sleeping Bags?
Parrotfish wrap
themselves in a sticky mucus cocoon every night before bed. This slimy
“sleeping bag” hides their scent from predators like moray eels and sharks. The
mucus also traps tiny particles from the water, making the cocoon blend into
the reef. Scientists think the fish produce this goo using glands near their
gills. Marine biologists observed that predators often swim right past the
cocoon, mistaking it for part of the reef. If a predator bumps into the cocoon,
the parrotfish wakes up and escapes.
Parrotfish are
crucial for coral reefs—they eat algae that can smother coral. Their beak-like
teeth grind coral into sand, creating the white beaches we love. Scientists
from the University of Queensland found that a single parrotfish can produce up
to 800 grams of sand per year by grinding coral.
Not all parrotfish
use mucus. Some species in open water rely on speed instead. But reef-dwelling
ones swear by their snotty pajamas. Divers in the Great Barrier Reef often spot
these translucent cocoons clinging to coral. A 2018 study confirmed the mucus
contains antimicrobial properties, protecting the fish from infections.
9. Why Do Octopuses
Throw Shells at Each Other?
Octopuses in
Australia’s Jervis Bay have been caught throwing shells, silt, and
algae—sometimes at rival octopuses. Scientists from the University of Sydney
filmed this behavior in 2023. The octopuses use their siphon (a tube near their
head) to shoot debris like a water cannon. Some throws hit other octopuses,
possibly to say, “Back off!” Others seem accidental, like when they toss stuff
while cleaning their dens.
The “gloomy octopus”
(Octopus tetricus) is the main culprit, with females are the main throwers,
especially after mating. Researchers think it might be frustration—males often
harass females. But most throws miss, making it look more like clumsy
redecorating than real fights. Octopuses in crowded areas throw more often,
suggesting it’s a way to claim space.
These “gloomy
octopuses” are smart. They’ve been seen using tools, like coconut shells as
armor. Throwing adds to their list of tricks. Next time you see an octopus
throwing a shell, it’s either drama or a bad aim—either way, it’s pure ocean
chaos.
Before proceeding to
our next selection, we invite you to explore our video on 15 Simple
Psychological Tricks for Animals That Really Work. Now, back to our
list.
8. How Do Leaf-Cutter
Ants Farm Fungus Underground?
Leaf-cutter ants are
farming experts, growing fungus for food in underground gardens. They’ve done
this for 50 million years, longer than humans have existed. A 2021 study in
PNAS revealed the ants use bacteria on their bodies to produce antibiotics that
protect their fungus from harmful molds. The fungus, Leucoagaricus
gongylophorus, can’t survive without the ants—and vice versa.
Colonies divide
labor: large workers cut leaves, medium ones carry the pieces, and tiny
“gardener” ants chew the leaves into pulp for the fungus. Queens lay up to
30,000 eggs daily, while soldiers with dagger-like jaws defend the nest. A
single colony can strip a tree bare in a night, moving 2 tons of soil yearly to
build tunnels.
Their farms recycle
nutrients, helping rainforests grow. A 2022 study in Biotropica found
leaf-cutter nests increase soil fertility by 25%, boosting plant diversity.
Biologist E.O. Wilson called them “Earth’s ultimate superorganism,” with
colonies housing millions of ants.
In Costa Rica’s La
Selva Biological Station, scientists observed ants “quarantining” sick fungus,
proving they manage disease like human farmers. Their system is so efficient,
NASA studied it for sustainable space agriculture.
7. Why Do Deer Rub
Their Antlers Against Tree Barks?
Deer rub their
antlers against trees to shed velvet—a soft, blood-rich skin that covers
growing antlers. The velvet itches as it dries, so scraping it off feels like
scratching a bug bite. Leftover velvet scraps become snacks for squirrels and
birds, turning a grooming session into a free buffet.
Antlers grow faster
than any other bone, adding up to 2 cm a day, as noted in a 2020 study in the
Journal of Mammalogy. Velvet supplies nutrients and oxygen during this growth
spurt. Once the antlers harden, the velvet dies. Bucks rip it off by thrashing
bushes or tree trunks, leaving behind ragged bark and sticky streaks. Velvet is
packed with proteins and growth hormones. Traditional Chinese medicine has used
dried velvet for centuries, claiming it boosts strength—though science disputes
this.
This isn’t just
about comfort. Rubbing marks trees with scent glands near the deer’s forehead,
signaling territory to rivals. The deeper the grooves, the bigger the buck.
Hunters use these rubs to track trophy deer. Next time you see shredded bark on
a tree, it’s not vandalism—it’s a deer’s way of saying, “This land is mine.”
6. Why Do Fireflies
Flash in Perfect Unison?
In Thailand’s
mangroves and the Great Smoky Mountains (USA), fireflies flash in perfect
unison, creating waves of light that look like a choreographed dance.
Scientists discovered this synchronization relies on a “leader” firefly
starting the flash, with others following in a ripple effect. A 2023 study by researchers
at the University of Colorado found fireflies use their internal biological
clocks to time their flashes, adjusting to neighbors’ rhythms within
milliseconds.
Each species has a
unique code: Photinus carolinus in the Smoky Mountains blink 6 times in a row,
while Southeast Asian Pteroptyx fireflies flash in rapid bursts. These light
shows are mating rituals—males signal patterns, and females reply with precise
blinks. A 2019 study in Science Advances showed female fireflies prefer males
with the fastest, brightest rhythms.
In Malaysia’s Kuala
Selangor River, boat tours let tourists witness these displays, dubbed
“nature’s Christmas lights.” The phenomenon inspired engineers to study their
timing for improving traffic light systems and wireless networks. Fireflies
don’t rehearse—its pure instinct honed over millions of years.
5. Why Do Birds Use
Beetles as Living Pesticide?
Bombardier beetles
defend themselves by firing a boiling (100°C/212°F), toxic spray from their
abdomen. The chemical reaction mixes hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone in a
reinforced chamber, creating a burst of gas and heat. Researchers at the
University of Utah found the beetle pulses the spray up to 70 times per second
to avoid overheating—a process called “pulse jetting.” This precision lets them
aim in any direction, even while running.
Some birds, like
hoopoes, intentionally harass these beetles to steal their acid. A 2016 study
in The Science of Nature observed birds wiping the chemical on their feathers
to kill parasites. The spray’s foul smell (like burnt plastic) deters predators
like spiders and frogs. Engineers copied the beetle’s combustion chamber design
to improve fuel-injection systems and fire suppressors.
The beetles’ defense
evolved over 100 million years, with fossils showing similar structures from
the Cretaceous period. Entomologist Dr. Thomas Eisner called them “the insect
world’s artillery,” noting their spray can temporarily blind predators.
4. How Do Mudskippers
Survive as Fish That Walk on Land?
Mudskippers are fish
that walk on land using arm-like fins. They live in muddy swamps in Africa and
Asia. To stay moist, they roll in wet mud like dogs. During mating season,
males jump 2 feet high and wave their colorful fins to attract females.
Researchers at the
University of Cambridge found their eyes rotate independently, giving 360°
vision to spot threats like birds. Mudskippers build burrows with air pockets
to hide from birds. They even fight rivals by wrestling in mud pits, locking
jaws like miniature sumo wrestlers. They breathe through skin and mouth
linings, needing water only occasionally. A 2020 study showed they can survive
3 days on land if their skin stays damp.
Fishermen in India
call them “frogs of the sea”—weird, wild, and full of attitude.
3. Why Do Stoats
Dance in Front of Their Prey?
Stoats perform a
wild, zigzagging “dance” to confuse prey like rabbits. This frenzied routine
includes jumps, spins, and sudden direction changes, making the stoat look
unpredictable. Scientists debate whether it’s a hunting tactic or caused by
parasites. A 2018 study by the University of Exeter found stoats infected with
Toxoplasma gondii (a brain parasite) danced more often, suggesting the parasite
might hijack their behavior. However, healthy stoats also dance, hinting it
could be a deliberate strategy to mesmerize prey.
When a rabbit sees
the stoat’s erratic moves, it often freezes in panic—giving the stoat a chance
to strike. Researchers filmed stoats in Scotland using high-speed cameras,
showing the dance lasts 15-30 seconds before the attack. Some think the stoat
mimics wounded prey to lure curious animals closer. Either way, it’s both
creepy and clever. Native American legends even describe stoats as “trickster
spirits” for this eerie behavior.
14. How Do Dung
Beetles Navigate Using the Milky Way?
Dung beetles roll
poop balls in straight lines using the Milky Way as a guide. They’re the only
insects known to navigate by stars. Scientists at Lund University tested this
by placing beetles under artificial skies: those with starry views rolled
straight, while others circled aimlessly. On cloudy nights, they use the moon’s
polarization instead.
The beetles climb
onto their dung ball mid-roll to “check” the sky, recalibrating their path.
This ensures they avoid competitors and predators. Ancient Egyptians linked
dung beetles to Khepri, the sun god, believing they pushed the sun like a giant
dung ball. Modern engineers study their navigation for robot design. In 2020, a
robot using beetle-inspired navigation won a tech award for moving efficiently
in dark environments.
15. Why Do Adélie
Penguins Steal Pebbles for Love?
Male Adélie penguins
collect pebbles to build elevated nests, keeping eggs dry in Antarctica’s icy
terrain. Females pick mates with the best nests, so males hustle for
stones—stealing from rivals or offering pebbles to females in exchange for
mating. A 2021 study tracked a colony for 10 years, finding males with the most
pebbles mated 3x more often. Females sometimes trick males by pretending to mate,
stealing pebbles, then leaving—a behavior scientists call “sexual deception.”
Some females even
“flirt” with multiple males to collect pebbles, then leave. Researchers
observed males guarding their nests like bouncers, chasing off thieves. In
crowded colonies, penguins sneak pebbles from neighbors when they’re
distracted. Climate change is making pebbles scarcer, forcing longer hunts.
Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research observed penguins
traveling up to 2 km to find stones, risking attacks by skuas.
This pebble trade
mirrors human real estate battles—location and resources matter. National
Geographic dubbed it “Antarctica’s cutest hustle.” Some males even “rent” their
stones to neighbors for extra mating chances. It’s survival of the sneakiest in
Antarctica!
That’s all for now.
Catch you in the next video!