Question

Based on field observations and slide reviews of various insects, give an example of different types of protective and/or defensive mechanisms used by insects. Give the name and Order of an insect for each of these adaptations. Make sure all examples are different from each other, although one insect may utilize more than one mechanism at one time. 

Answer 1

Different types of defense mechanism in insects are as follows-

Hiding- Moths (order Lepidoptera) blend with the environment / background substance and hide from their enemies.

Mechanical defense- Caddisfly larvae develops a mechanism in which it covers its abdomen with leaves. stones and dry plant matter.

Autotomy- Some insects shed their appendages to distract the enemy. Example- Stick insect (order Phasmatodea) sheds its legs.

Reflex bleeding- ladybugs (order Coleoptera) show reflex bleedding from their leg joints.

Secretion of chemicals- Termites (order Blattodea) secrete a sticky substance in which the enemy gets entangled.