Parasitic crickets survive in dangerous ant colonies using genius dodging and distancing moves while staying hidden in safe spots.

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have discovered sophisticated behavioral strategies that enable parasitic crickets to survive within ant colonies. Led by Ryoya Tanaka, the team documented how these insects successfully navigate life among potentially lethal hosts through precise evasion tactics.

Ants are known to kill intruders when they are detected to protect the colony. To avoid attacks, ant crickets use various behaviors that scientists are still figuring out. In this new study, the team looked at a cricket ant species Myrmecophilus tetramorii.