Short Wave When Critters Bleed ... On Purpose!
Nov 24, 2020
Nell Greenfieldboyce, an NPR science correspondent, dives into the extraordinary world of reflex bleeding in animals. Discover how some reptiles and insects have evolved this dramatic self-defense mechanism, including the thundersnake's auto hemorrhaging under threat. Nell explores the horned lizards and ladybugs that squirt blood to deter predators, revealing the fascinating adaptations these creatures possess. This captivating discussion intertwines survival strategies with the stunning intricacies of nature's defense tactics.
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Thundersnake Bleeding
- Sebastian Hofer, researching snakes in the Bahamas, found a thundersnake.
- When gently pinched, the snake's eyes filled with blood, then cleared, and it bled from its mouth.
Horned Lizard Defense
- Horned lizards, found in the Southern US, are known to shoot blood from their eyes.
- Wade Sherbrooke, after 40 years of study, found this defense targets mammalian predators like coyotes.
Strategic Bleeding
- Reflex bleeding in horned lizards appears strategic, not a random stress response.
- It specifically targets certain predators, suggesting evolutionary adaptation.