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Page last updated at 14:56 GMT, Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Aphids' sacrificial home defence

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When aphids' homes are damaged, some squeeze out a fluid that plugs the hole, dying in the process.

The aphids knead the fluid with their legs, making it viscous and sticky.

Time-lapse video shows how a large hole, viewed from the outside, is completely sealed up.

Viewed from the inside, it can be seen that several aphids get permanently stuck in the mess.

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