this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2023
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[–] 6368_39162@aussie.zone 13 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Welcome to Numbat Facts.

Numbats are the only member of the family Myrmecobiidae. This saves them a great deal of money not buying presents this time of year.

[–] just_kitten@aussie.zone 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

All I know is that family name has some reference to ants.

[–] 6368_39162@aussie.zone 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Yes! And eating them. Same base Greek word for soldiers at Troy being called myrmidons.

[–] Thornburywitch@aussie.zone 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Specifically Achilles' soldiers - presumably wore armour that resembled ant thoraxes. Bit of a change from the standard boar's tusk helmet popular on the day.

[–] 6368_39162@aussie.zone 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I’ve always thought of it as a swarming thing.

[–] Thornburywitch@aussie.zone 3 points 2 years ago

Bronze age armies were very small, so I'm not sure swarming was possible. Interesting thought though.