Chapter 68 - Defensive Behavior

Abstract

This chapter describes the major types of defensive behaviors of insects and to illustrate how, when, and why these defenses are of survival benefit. Survival and reproduction are the key elements of life. For both elements, defense is a paramount feature; without defense, survival and therefore reproduction are unlikely. Insects must defend against microorganisms, parasites, and predators and use different strategies and defenses against each other. The ultimate defense against microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi, is the immune system. Crypsis, or avoiding detection by blending into the background, is one of the most common and successful defenses. Classical examples of crypsis include mantids and stick insects in the Mantodea and Phasmatodea, leaf-mimicking moths, and ambush bugs (Phymatidae) that resemble the flowers in which they hide. Various defensive ploys by organisms include concealment and hiding, escape, fighting back, pain, warnings, fright, confusion, aggregation, associations, and sociality.