Biology
Thermoregulatory strategies of desert-dwelling arthropods under extreme heat
Quick fact
The Saharan silver ant (Cataglyphis bombycina) can forage when ground temperatures exceed 50°C, thanks to its silver-haired body that reflects heat and its long legs that keep it above the hot surface.
Why this is interesting
On a scorching desert day, the ground can hit 70°C—yet some beetles and ants are out and about. How do these tiny creatures survive heat that would cook most animals in minutes?