The ant bug (Alydus calcaratus), also known as the red-flash bug, is a unique insect famous for shape-shifting disguises as a nymph and a surprising diet that includes carrion. The young bugs (nymphs) look and move just like ants to trick predators into leaving them alone. Adult bugs are strong flyers that flash a hidden bright orange patch on their back, making them look like dangerous stinging wasps. While adults mostly eat seeds from plants like gorse and broom, they also feed on animal poop and dead animal remains. Scientists sometimes find the ant-like nymphs living safely inside actual ant nests. They live across Europe, parts of Asia, and northern North America. You can spot them in sunny, dry places like sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and old industrial sites. I came across dozens of these inconspicuous but occasionally orange-flashing bugs on a large meadow near Akalla on a sunny afternoon.