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defence

Flagellation…

[featured image] The intriguing little animal below is the first instar larva of the puss moth (Cerura vinula). The egg that it has very recently emerged from is to the right. These caterpillars and their close relatives have a couple of brilliant adaptations to ward off many, many potential predators. …

Stenus comma labium tip

Speedy water skimming beetles

[featured image] The Stenus rove beetles are truly blessed in bizarre adaptations. If telescopic mouthparts weren’t enough (see last post), they also have one of the most impressive defences in the animal kingdom. Often, these beetles are found in waterside habitats, where they wander about on the ground and in …