Autotomy, the shedding of a body part, reveals the hidden cost of conflict

Not only does it take energy to make weapons, it may take even more energy to maintain them. Because leaf-footed bugs drop their legs, it is possible to measure how much energy they allocate to maintaining this appendage that males use to fight other males.

Story location

Gamboa, Panama

Animal Behavior Entomology Evolutionary Biology Natural History Zoology Biodiversity Origins of Species and Societies Gamboa red William Wcislo

Thumbnail opacity

75

Featured in scientist profile

Featured in facility