Stink Bugs' Unique Defense Mechanism
Researchers have discovered that certain stink bug species use a cordycep-like fungus to defend against parasitic wasps.
Initially, special glands on the legs of these insects were mistaken for "ears" due to their unusual location.
Unlike crickets, moths, mantises, and cicadas, which use organs on their legs, thoraxes, or abdomens to detect sound, these stink bugs do not have tympanal organs, or an auditory system.
A study published in the journal Science on October 16 reveals that female Dinidoridae stink bugs, a subset of around 100 species, have a unique defense mechanism.
For many insects, their “ears” aren’t located anywhere near their heads.
Author's summary: Stink bugs use fungus to defend against parasitic wasps.
- Stink bugs have special glands on their legs
- These glands were initially mistaken for "ears"
- Certain stink bug species do not have an auditory system