defense

Big heads come in handy when the social insects are tasked with defending their nest.

To their own detriment, aphid nymphs release body fluids that clot up a plant’s wound caused by insects predating on the gall where the colony lives.

Sea fireflies spew a mucus with a chemical glow to lure mates and avoid being eaten.

One species has developed a novel waggle to warn about invading wasps.

The birds sing together to help defend their territory.

Geckolepis megalepis escapes its predators by rapidly detaching its fish-like scales.

Monarch and queen caterpillars store toxic compounds from their milkweed diet to ward off predators into adulthood, a new study suggests.

To protect against biological threats, federal agencies and other key stakeholders should commit to a strategic, unified approach.

High-speed X-ray video reveals how bombardier beetles control their toxic sprays.

Luna moths use their long tails to throw bats off their trail.

J. Robert Beyster, who established one of the largest research and engineering firms, passed away at age 90.

Researchers show that scorpion venom toxins are closely related to defensive proteins from venomous insects.

Tobacco hornworms release puffs of nicotine that deter some predators.

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

A US government advisor warned officials of the dangers of antibiotic-resistant anthrax while profiting from antitoxin sales.

The slug-like marine animals squirt a substance at lobsters that makes the predators lose their ability to smell.

The nanoscale structure of a clanger cicada’s wings destroys threatening microbes on contact.

Bioluminescent arcs on a deep-sea lantern shark’s dorsal side highlight its spines.

A psychiatrist and a science writer win the first John Maddox Prize for promoting science despite opposition.