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Science 15 December 1967:
Vol. 158. no. 3807, pp. 1471 - 1473
DOI: 10.1126/science.158.3807.1471
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Articles

Defensive Use of a "Fecal Shield" by a Beetle Larva

Thomas Eisner 1, Eileen van Tassell 1, and James E. Carrel 1

1 Division of Biological Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

The larva of Cassida rubiginosa carries a tight packet of cast skins and feces on a fork held over its back. The packet is a maneuverable shield used by the larva to protect itself against attack. It is highly effective in blocking the bite of ants.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Coevolution.
D. H. Janzen and C. H. Muller (1969)
Science 165, 415-416
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Defensive use of a fecal thatch by a beetle larva (Hemisphaerota cyanea).
T. Eisner and M. Eisner (2000)
PNAS 97, 2632-2636
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