Aphids Leave Old Exoskeletons Near Their Colonies, As Decoys
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 - 01:16
in Psychology & Sociology
By leaving the remains of their old exoskeletons, called 'exuviae', in and around their colonies, aphids gain some measure of protection from parasites. Parasitoid wasps are likely to attack the empty shells, resulting in a lower attack rate on their previous occupants -- much like in the popular 'shell game' confidence trick.