DAVID: By exuding a chemical the ant is fooled by the beetle. Other animals do the same thing. Ants communicate by odorous chemicals, which others imitate:

https://phys.org/news/2017-08-dangerous-game-highwayman-beetle.html

DAVID’s comment: I cannot imagine how this beetle evolved. It had to have mutations to create the chemicals it uses to confuse ants. Ant scent is chemically specific. It is much easier to understand insects which simply cover themselves with ant scent.

Another stunning example of how organisms work out different ways of feeding and protecting themselves. Regardless of our different interpretations of their behaviour, these posts are a constant source of delight, and I can only say once again how grateful I am to you for the ongoing education.