8 Interesting Ways Insects Defend Themselves8 Interesting Ways Insects Defend Themselves

If you are an insect, you are more likely to be prey than a predator. Being small and squishy makes you an appealing meal for some.

To avoid becoming a predator’s next meal, some insects develop creative methods of defense. Below are eight of the more exciting ways an insect can protect itself.

1. Allomimesis (mimicry of lifeless objects)

Allomimesis is a form of mimicry where insects copy lifeless objects. One popular example is the giant swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio cresphontes).The caterpillar form of Papillo cresphontes resemble bird droppings, with its larval forms being more accurate due to size. 

2. Produce repellant odors 

Among famous insects that produce terrible odors, you can thank the stink bug. For example, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) will use two holes in its abdomen to produce the terrible scent. There are more than 250 species of stink bugs around the world. All of them earn their name from similar defense mechanisms 

3. Thanatosis (playing dead)

Thanatosis is a fancy way to say playing dead. It’s a behavior most popularly known in possums (which explains the term “playing possum”), but many insects follow the same strategy.One example is the click beetle (Elateridae), known for falling on its back and pretending to be dead. The European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) also plays dead in response to threatening situations. 

4. Cryptic coloration (camouflage)

Crypsis, or cryptic coloration, is a form of camouflage to hide from predators that hunt using sight. Insects that use this will need to freeze on sight, using the background to remain hidden.The Peppered Moth (Biston betulara) is one such example, known to leverage the similar coloration of trees to hide. The moth had to adjust its color to a darker shade, making it harder to detect. 

5. Zoomimesis (mimicry of different animals or insects)

Looking like something scary or inedible is an alternative option for mimicry. Zoomimesis is one example of this, as insects will copy other more dangerous-looking bugs. This is often related to aposematic coloration, otherwise known as warning colors.One famous example of this is the viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus), which resembles the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus).Monarchs are known for surviving on toxic milkweed, which is poisonous to predators. So, when other butterflies copy their appearance, the predator will avoid the poisonous-looking butterfly. 

6. Spray irritating substances

Some bugs take a more active role in fighting off predators, spraying them with an irritating or dangerous substance. One example of this is the bombardier beetle (Branchinus creptans). This type of beetle sprays its predators with caustic material, caused by a chemical reaction resulting in acid erupting explosively. The heat from this chemical reaction is near the boiling point of water.  

7.Phytomimesis (mimicry of plants)

The final form of mimicry is Phytomimesis, or copying the appearance of plants. One example of this is the wavy-lined emerald moth (Synchlora aerate).Synchlora Aerate will attach bits of plant material to itself while feeding to confuse predators into thinking it’s the plant. Because predators aren’t interested in eating those plants, they will ignore the insects disguised as them.

8.Stab or sting 

When none of the unique ways of deterring predators work, insects can rely on a more direct route: violence. Stabbing or stinging predators is a great way to deter them. Assassin bugs (Reduviidae) are an example of this, although they typically prefer to use this ability to hunt. Members of the wasp (Vespidae) family and bee (Apoidea) superfamily are two of the best-known insects that sting. 

Conclusion

Whether bugs decide to hide, mimic, or play dead, insects can defend themselves in many ways. Knowing these ways might help you play a trivia game in the future. Thanks for reading!