Page 118 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

Defence

techniques

Even as a predatory beetle, there’s a lot out there
to worry about. As part of the order Coleoptera,
beetles are winged insects that can take to the
skies, albeit not that gracefully in the case of some
larger species. The tiger beetle can run at such
speeds that it is far safer on the ground when facing
some of its aerial predators, such as birds or robber
flies. However, even the fastest insect in the world
isn’t quick enough to escape the clutches of speedy
lizards and so they must take to the skies when such
ground-dwelling predators give chase. However,
this leaves them vulnerable to aerial predators who
are far more efficient at flying than the less-than-
aerodynamic beetle. Failing this, many species have
camouflaged exoskeletons to help them merge in
with the ground, or they have stripes that break up
the silhouette of the beetle.
The Carolina metallic tiger beetle, Tetracha
carolina, uses colour to defend itself by warning
predators that it will make them sick if they eat it.
This defence mechanism is known as aposematism,
and it is used a lot within insects and across the The Carolina metallic
animal kingdom. The Carolina metallic tiger beetle tiger beetle warns
predators of its © Thinkstock
possesses cyanide, which is poisonous to many
toxicity by presenting
animals and has a very bitter taste. vibrant colours

Ocypus olens, also
known as the cock-
tail beetle, will raise
its abdomen when
threatened to warn
off predators

© Thinkstock

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