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POSTURE REVERSAL

Confusing the enemy is a great strategy for survival.  An effective example of this strategy is called POSTURE REVERSAL. Insects exhibiting posture reversal have markings or appendages or are shaped so that predators are fooled into thinking they will move or fly in the opposite direction. The predator attacks the "head," but the insect has escaped the other way.
​​Click on a photo to make it larger.
Hairstreaks
Hairstreaks have bright eyespots and fake antennae on the rear bottom edges of their wings that look like a head. When they land on a flower, they immediately turn in a circle to confuse their predators and bury their real heads into the petals to suck nectar. The orange eyespots and waving fake antennae fool the predator into attacking what it perceives as the head, allowing the butterfly to fly away in the opposite direction.  
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
The bright orange "eyes" and wiggling fake antennae are an obvious target for predators of this Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus). Notice the butterfly's real head, almost hidden on the right.
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
A better view of the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus).
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Notice the missing section of the lower right wing of this Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus). The orange eyespots were effective in misdirecting the bird's attack. The butterfly is damaged but it can still fly.

​Caterpillars
Having trouble figuring out which end is the caterpillar's head?  Imagine the difficulty predators have figuring out where to attack.
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus plexippus)
The fake antennae on both ends of the Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) are confusing. The head is to the right.
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus plexippus)
This photo should make it easier to see the Monarch Caterpillar's head and feet on the right.
Eight-Spotted Forester Moth Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata)
A predator of this Eight-Spotted Forester Moth Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata) may be confused as to which bright orange head to attack.
Eight-Spotted Forester Moth Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata)
Before you even ask which way this Red-Washed Prominent Caterpillar (Oligocentria semirufescen) is heading, you might ask What is it? Look carefully on the right near the stem and you will see an eye and a head.
Silvered Prominent (Didugua argentilinea)
This spectacular Silvered Prominent (Didugua argentilinea) has many defense mechanisms. The bright coloration and red on its body say "DANGER," the upright stance is aggresive, and if a predator still considers it a dinner possibility, it is unclear which end to attack (right).
Unicorn Caterpillar (Schizura unicornis)
The weirdly shaped Unicorn Caterpillar (Schizura unicornis) doesn't even seem to have a head! You will find it on the right.
Walking Stick (Phasmatodea)
This species of Walking Stick (Phasmatodea) looks more like twigs than an animal. Its head is facing up, with antennae stretched out like a continuation of its body. The clamper at the other end looks more like the head.
All photographs on amazingnature-nancygoor..com are copyrighted. 
​If you wish to use or purchase any photographs, please contact Nancy or Ron Goor at ron.nancygoor@gmail.com.
  • Home
  • About
  • Birds
  • INSECTS
    • CICADAS!
    • Costa Rica Insects
    • Texas Insects
    • Insect Defense >
      • Camouflage
      • Warning Colors
      • Mimicry
      • Eyespots
      • Posture Reversal
      • Poisonous Caterpillars
      • Insect Defense is Not Perfect
    • INSECT METAMORPHOSIS: COMPLETE
    • INSECT METAMORPHOSIS: INCOMPLETE
  • Land, Sea, & Sky
  • Contact
  • TOTALLY COOL!
    • BEETLES
    • MOTHS