Silver ant hairs reflect sunlight, keeping Sahara dweller cool

Hairs are also transparent at infrared wavelengths, letting insect shed heat

Saharan silver ant stands atop a desiccated plant

BEATING THE HEAT  A Saharan silver ant stands atop a desiccated plant. The ant’s hairs combat desert heat by reflecting sunlight and allowing the insect to dissipate body heat.

N.N. Shi et al/Science 2015

Hairs on the Saharan silver ant help keep the insect kicking in scorching desert heat.