Animals

The phoenix isn’t the only critter to survive the flames

Single-celled archaea and South African weevils can tolerate shockingly high heat

illustration of a weevil surviving fiery remains, like a phoenix

Certain weevils in South Africa live in the fynbos — a dry, shrub-filled area that’s prone to wildfires — and can survive scorching temperatures.

Pablo Hurtado de Mendoza

By Bethany Brookshire

At the end of its life, the phoenix goes out in style.