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.
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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.
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.
A better view of the 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.
The fake antennae on both ends of the Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) are confusing. The head is to the right.
This photo should make it easier to see the Monarch Caterpillar's head and feet on the right.
A predator of this Eight-Spotted Forester Moth Caterpillar (Alypia octomaculata) may be confused as to which bright orange head to attack.
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.
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).
The weirdly shaped Unicorn Caterpillar (Schizura unicornis) doesn't even seem to have a head! You will find it on the right.
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.