Comments on: go away and leave me alone!

By: burning silo

burning silo — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:04:29 +0000

Laiku – No, but I wonder what it might be like if we were very close to the caterpillar when the scent is released. It might not be too pleasant — although I would think the amount released is probably quite small. If you’re interested in such things, there’s quite a good book by Thomas Eisner (et al) called Secret Weapons: Defenses of Insects, Spiders, Scorpions, and Other Many-Legged Creatures. It’s probably available through your library system. Most of the book is about how various insects protect themselves from predators — usually through the release of chemicals – sprays, scents, fluids that burn, etc… It’s very interesting!!

By: Laiku Oh

Laiku Oh — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:42:51 +0000

Oh…that’s very smart! But it doesn’t seem to really affect us people.

By: burning silo

burning silo — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 23:13:26 +0000

Laiku – One thing I noticed… not right when I wrote this, but a few days after, was that there was an odd smell that was a little bit like tangerines when the horns were extended. I think there is probably some chemical that may be released when the horns are exposed. I think I found something about this on the internet and that the chemical is similar to something in oranges — perhaps something a bit stinging, like the vapour that is released from an orange peel if you squeeze it. No doubt, some kinds of predators would not like the smell or taste. I think the menacing look of the horns may also scare smaller predators.

By: Laiku Oh

Laiku Oh — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:50:08 +0000

I saw those golden antlers too, once. I didn’t smell or feel anything though. Is it just to scare predators away? Becuase it didn’t deter me.