You're looking at a bull moose in a Vermont forest, captured on a trail camera at night. Majestic. Unremarkable. But then you notice two small, white shapes fluttering around its eyes. They land, unbothered by the massive animal, and appear to be… drinking from its eyes.
This isn't a horror movie. It's lachryphagy—tear-drinking. And for the first time ever, scientists have documented moths doing it to a moose.
The moths aren't harming the animal. They're seeking sodium and essential minerals that are nearly impossible to find in the cold Vermont environment. The moose's tears? A perfect, salty electrolyte drink. The moose stands patiently, allowing the moths to have their fill. A quiet, bizarre, beautiful moment of symbiosis—a tiny, flying creature finding a vital resource in the tears of a giant.
What small teams can learn: The most valuable resources are often found in the most unexpected places.
by JS
for the AdAI Ed. Team
