desert bugs - Top That! Publishing

How do water beetles escape predators
One type of water beetle, the camphor beetle, uses its legs to ski on
the water’s surface. To escape from predators, it shoots a chemical
from its back legs that reduces the water surface tension. This means
that the tension on its front legs pulls it forwards. It zooms out of
trouble on its front feet, which are held out like skis, and steers itself
by flexing its abdomen. This tiny beetle is the size of a rice grain,
but can travel nearly a metre per second. Another water beetle, the
whirligig, dives into water to avoid predators, breathing from a
bubble of air trapped in its rear end.
How does a locust jump
A locust ready to jump.
A locust using its wing to fly.
A locust ready to lift off is an impressive sight. First, it
keeps its hind legs folded ready to jump. Then the leg
muscles straighten out, launching the insect into the
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FACT FILE
Giant crane flies (daddy-longlegs)
have breakaway legs that
enable them to fly off if caught.
The predator is left with a spindly
leg, and the crane fly can
survive with five of its six legs.
A locust beginning to land.
air. High in the air, the locust uses its wings to fly
forwards, before spreading its legs wide to ensure a
safe landing.