How Not to Be Eaten : The Insects Fight Back

Insects outnumber and outweigh all other animals combined and offer the largest amount of potential animal food to hungry predators. This has led insects to evolve amazing techniques to either capture prey or avoid becoming prey themselves. From clever disguises to chemical lures, predatory insects employ ingenious means to catch food, while potential prey use strategies of mimicry, escape, and defense in order to evade capture. Entomologist and trade author Waldbauer explores an array of tactics and strategies that are not only fascinating, but important to the story of evolution. We learn about camouflage, how insects can change appearance to blend in with their environment or resemble inedible objects. We also read about toxic insects, and those that strive to mimic the warning colors or behavior of toxic insects in order to "trick" potential predators. This entertaining subject is a perfect way to explore the coevolutionary forces that shape our world and allow ecosystems to function.