National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Bugs Cuddle Up to Dead Comrades for Protection


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A parasitic wasp lays its eggs in an aphid. When the egg hatches—only one develops into a wasp—a hollowed-out corpse is left behind.

A March 2009 study reveals that living aphids cuddle up to their dead comrades to hide from wasps—and that their tactic works.

Photograph by Nigel Cattlin/Visuals Unlimited