Nearly any time I see a dead insect it's on it's back with it's feet sticking up. Like a potato bug. How and why do they end up like that?
2007-07-12 11:10:51 · 8 answers · asked by TK 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
ok. good point. they probably get stuck on their backs and then they die. So why do they get stuck on their backs?
My window sill is full of dead bugs on their backs. Are they all just uncoordinated?
(I know I need to clean my window. I'll get to it.)
2007-07-12 11:19:20 · update #1
You have it the wrong way round ............. many bugs die because they end up on their backs, and can't flip themselves over.
They don't flip over when they die
2007-07-12 11:14:23 · answer #1 · answered by Weatherman 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Bug's backs are flat or slightly rounded and smooth. Their underside is V shaped which allows a rocking motion. After the bug dies and isn't actively using it's legs to stabilize itself it can rock over and is much less likely to rock back because of the shape of it's back. Possibly their center of gravity is high too which contributes to their not rocking back onto their bellies.
This V shaped body plan is characteristic of beetles, roaches, and moths, as well as many other insects. Grasshoppers and most caterpillars don't have the same body structure and will be found laying on their sides after death.
2007-07-12 11:19:49 · answer #2 · answered by mindoversplatter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its a matter of perception. Can you really tell if a bug is dead when its not on its back? Is it really dead while on its back, or is it just staying still until it feels there is no threat and then flips itself back over, if it can?
I say try and flip 'em back over and see if he moves, maybe its still alive, couldn't flip over, and you saved its life. Good for you!
2007-07-12 11:20:42 · answer #3 · answered by weissert21 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've noticed human end up the same way
I've never been to a wake or funeral with the corpse face down
2007-07-12 11:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by army_rainger_former_green_beray 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They're top heavy. All of their mass is in their body, not much on their legs. Their weight will fall to their back.
2007-07-12 11:19:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Little bug morticians arrive and turn them over, and if you look veeerrry closely you can see little tiny Lillie's on their chests.
2007-07-12 11:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
THEY WANT TO TAKE ONE LAST LOOK AT THE WORLD BEFORE THEY GO
2007-07-12 11:14:51 · answer #7 · answered by CCRIDER69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm.. Maybe they died because of somebody pushing them over and poured water over it??
2007-07-12 11:13:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋