abstract: When disturbed mechanically, minor ofCamponotus (Colobopsis)saundersi and ofC. sp. nearsaundersi contract their gaster until it bursts at an intersegmental fold. The mandibular glands, which extend throughout the whole body, also burst releasing large quantities of a whitish yellow (C. saundersi) resp. bright yellow (C. sp. nearsaundersi) secretion. The secreted fluid is very sticky so that, e.g. attacking ants are unable to move when contaminated. The term "autothysis" (greek.: self sacrifice) is proposed for the phenomenon of self sacrifice is social insects to which the bursting ofC. saundersi and the related species belongs.
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Biologie der Universität Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt/M., Bundesrepublic Deutschland.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Maschwitz
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Biologie der Universität Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt/M., Bundesrepublic Deutschland.
authors.forename: Eleonore
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maschwitz