13 Ways to Die:

Science Takes on Insect Terrors

 

Ant Mimic Spider with Turtle Ant
Copyright Alexander Wild.com
From 13 Horrifying Ways To Die (Arthropod Edition)

 

In his blog in “Scientific American” entomologist Alex Wild gives an insect’s eye view of the terrors that await those “earthlings” measured in millimeters rather than feet and inches.

The Scientific American blog that came out for Halloween is an interesting take on the popular “1000 ways to die” television show. This is one that takes a look at the insects’ point of view and is complete with graphic pictures showing what it’s like in that “small world” we don’t often see.

The List follows dangers that we have only seen in horror movies at the human level. Case in point is number one: having your guts impaled by “Spikey” teeth. Like the victims of dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and other movies, the “Trap-jaw Ant” of Madagascar bites down on a cricket. Another terrifying torture that awaits the inhabitants of “insect world” is being dragged from their home by army ants. The termite is a favorite prey of ant populations the world over. My particular favorite is being devoured by someone you thought was your friend. I could match dozens of movies where the killer is your friend, without even touching “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

I looked at the photos to decide on my personal favorite: the spider that mimics the “Turtle ant” I think that’s because it’s hard to tell where the ant stops and the spider starts. The spider really does look a lot like the ant in the photo. While spiders are not my favorite creatures on the planet, I can appreciate the perfection of nature. I would just hate to be the spider when an anteater comes along.

The harsh “giant hand slap” is tame considering some of the options that are listed in the blog. I imagine that it was photos like the ones in this article that inspired many a Hollywood film. “Starship Troopers” comes to mind when I think of giant insects.

Calling an exterminator starts to sound like a service to the poor little creatures that crawl underfoot in our homes and yards. To find out what the insect world is like in your neck of the woods you can contact your local pest control management company. Termite treatments in Mesa usually begin with a free termite inspection. You can learn how to protect your home from the “small world” inhabitants and perhaps save a few from the top thirteen dreaded ways to die by putting them out of their misery “humanely”.

 

 

Tempe AZ –

Termite Control Arizona

1753 E BROADWAY, STE #101

TEMPE, AZ 85282

(480) 630-3019