Few insects master the art of disguise quite like the ant bug (Alydus calcaratus), also known as the red-flash bug. When young, its nymphs look and scamper around precisely like ferocious ants—a clever disguise that tricks hungry birds into leaving them alone. In fact, these cunning nymphs are so convincing that scientists sometimes find them living peacefully inside actual ant nests! Once they mature, their disguise shifts completely. As adults, they are strong, fast fliers. When taking off into the air, they flash a hidden, vivid orange patch on the top of their abdomen, mimicking a dangerous stinging wasp to startle potential threats. While they mostly drink nutrients from legumes like broom and gorse, adults also have an unexpected scavenger side—happily feeding on animal droppings and decomposing remains. They love warm, sunny, open spaces like heathlands and sandy grasslands. On a sunny afternoon, I came across dozens of these inconspicuous yet fascinating bugs on a wide meadow near Akalla, Sweden!