Feigning death
- Pronunciation
- /feen-ing deth/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Feigning death
- Plural
- Feigning deaths
Definition
A behavior exhibited by some insects and arachnids where the organism mimics the appearance and posture of a dead individual to avoid predation.
Etymology
From Old French 'feindre' meaning 'to pretend' and Old English 'dēaþ' meaning 'death'.
Example
When threatened, the beetle fell onto its back and remained motionless, feigning death until the predator lost interest.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Protective behavior
- Predation
- Defensive behavior
- Thanatosis
Usage Notes
Feigning death is a survival strategy employed by a wide range of species, and its effectiveness can depend on the predator's behavior.