May 28
Uncharismatic Fact of the Day
Ándale! Toro, Ándale! That's probably what the matador bug would sound like, if it could speak. But the bright red 'flags' on its hind legs aren't for charging bulls- scientists believe that waving their flags instead helps to deter potential predators like preying mantises, either by warning them that the matador bug is highly toxic; the colors and motion may also confuse predators into leaving the bugs alone.
(Image: A matador bug (Anisoscelis alipes) by Ana Endara)
