Why do insects die on their backs?

[Reephdweller]

what is up with that?

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[dcpete]

they have the heavy(for their size) wings and wing covers on their backs so when they fall that is what ends up on the ground. Same general pricipal applies when they roll in the wind or are hit.

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[Death Metal Moe]

Because they're Old and that point and die while having sex.

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[ChickenHawk]

Man, I really gotta hand it to ya reefy. This is a Grade A question. I've asked myself this question countless times in life, and I eagerly await an answer. (What's sad is, I'm actually being serious. This isn't sarcasm. It really is a great question that I wish someone had asked earlier.)

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[TooCute]

Well, chickenhawk, Pete
already answered the
question - before you even
posted! It's your lucky day!





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ADF makes great sigpics!

[GaryWyze]

<font color=red>I'm sure there's something to what Pete says, but most insects have their breathing ducts located near their legs... you'll usually find them dead on their back after spraying or laying down other pesticides because they're probably gasping for air.

[TooCute]

'm sure there's something
to what Pete says, but most
insects have their breathing
ducts located near their legs...
you'll usually find them dead on
their back after spraying or laying
down other pesticides because
they're probably gasping for air


1. There's air on the ground, you
know.

2. Insects do not have the brain
capacity to say ' there is a
pesticide on the ground, let me
stick my legs up where there are
no pesticides'. They will either try
to run away or fly away.

3. Even were (1) and (2) false,
most insects in fact have
spiracles all over their bodies -
not just their legs.

Sorry Gary!


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[DarkHippie]

Better to die on your back than to live on your knees!

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[GaryWyze]

Insects do not have the brain capacity to say 'there is a pesticide on the ground, let me stick my legs up where there are no pesticides'.


<font color=purple>You have obviously never seen The Tick.

Would brain power really play a part here? After inhaling or absorbing poison, I would think that even insect would instinctively do all that they could to get more air.

But if what you say about where their breathing ducts are located is true, [rosanne rossanna danna]never mind.[/rosanne rosanna danna]

[Captain Stubing]

The view is better! <P>

Fezaesthesia - Prognosis poor...

[Johnny4]

I have some sort of expertise on this subject. I own a pest control company in NYC and have noticed this many times. DCpete is on the money. Also pesticide poisoning in bugs is like cyanide poisoning in humans. You have involuntary muscle contractions and spaz out right onto deaths door. Alos add in the fact that bugs have no weight and can be blown around on their backs very easily, especially ones that dont stick with their legs.

I didn't see anything, I didn't hear anything, I wasn't there and if I was there I was asleep.

[HordeKing1]

Aside from a casual interest and knowledge about forensic entomology, I'm not well versed on bugs. I find that they die under a newspaper more than they die on their backs.

Anywhoo, I found an interesting website that answered the question from a physics perspective. This is a direct quote, but you might want to check the site out. It seemed pretty interesting.

When insects die from pesticides, they are killed by inhibition of cholinesterase, an enzyme that helps transmit nerve impulses to the muscles. The resulting loss of muscular control causes violent twitching forcing them on their backs. The twitching causes the center of gravity to become higher than the center of balance.

http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/info/faq/ask_roaches.htm

Although the link, is sponsored by a pest control company, I seems that they neglect an obvious qestion; why do bugs not exposed to pesticides die on their back? Perhaps they don't?

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[Dewey]

It's an insurance thing. Bug life insurance companies won't pay without a death certificate, and stupid bug bureaucracies won't issue one unless the bug is "on its back". Sometimes their relatives have to come and flip them over, just so they can collect. Pretty ridiculous, if you ask me.

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[BrianTheBailBondsman]

It is becouse the excitement at their friends wedding gave 'em a heartattack while doing the dance called the "dead bug" as seen on Animial House

Nice one Deewy!
they have the heavy(for their size) wings and wing covers on their backs so when they fall that is what ends up on the ground. Same general pricipal applies when they roll in the wind or are hit.
My My someone was paying attention is science class today.



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