Insect Armor

Insect Armor
Most insects’ tough exoskeletons protect their bodies from predators and from drying out. however, some insects—including young insects, such as caterpillars—have soft bodies. they benefit by adding an extra layer of protective armor.

Scale insects, for example, are named for the armor they produce. A young scale insect finds a spot on a plant where it can feed. then its body oozes substances that form a shield over it. the insect lives underneath this shield.

Different kinds of scale insects make different kinds of shields. Armored scale insects make hard, waxy shields. Soft scale insects make softer waxy coverings, or shields that look like balls of cotton. ground pearls, which are related to scale insects, make round, waxy covers that look like beads.

Caterpillars of some moths make a sticky, bumpy covering for their bodies. Ants that bite these caterpillars end up with jaws full of goo. the ants’ bodies and legs also become coated with the slime. the ants must work hard to scrape off the sticky material, which keeps them too busy to try to attack again.