Strange tiny creatures to be as bonds (8)

I believe the answer is:

beasties

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'strange tiny creatures' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'be as bonds' is the wordplay.
'bonds' becomes 'ties' (I've seen this in another clue).
'be'+'as'+'ties'='BEASTIES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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