Wow in the World WeWow on the Weekend
Dec 6, 2025
Join Dennis and Reggie for a creative crafternoon exploring the wild world of 'exploding ants.' Dive into the bizarre behavior of Colobopsis explodens, where ants sacrifice themselves in a sticky goo explosion to protect their colony. Picture a thrilling field trip to Borneo, complete with imaginative ant costumes! The hosts break down ant hierarchies, revealing intriguing roles within the colony. Don't miss your chance to leave a voicemail for Dennis and possibly hear your question answered!
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Playful Crafternoon Leads Into Science Revisit
- Dennis and Reggie do a playful crafternoon making a medal from tube socks and old CDs to celebrate a dodgeball medal.
- The segment sets a lighthearted tone and leads into a re-listen of a Wow in the World episode about exploding ants.
Exploding Ants Are Real And Recently Named
- Mindy and Guy explain that 'Colobopsis explodens' are a real species of exploding ants discovered and named by researchers.
- They highlight scientists' long awareness of exploding ants and the recent formal naming of a species.
Ant Colonies Are Largely Female Workforces
- Guy Raz and Mindy note that most ants seen outside the nest are female workers and soldiers.
- They explain queens lay eggs while males (drones) mate and die, leaving females to run the colony.