Which order is noted for a startle response as part of its anti-predator behavior?

• A. Plecoptera
• B. Mantodea
• C. Isoptera
• D. Gryllacrididae

Answer: (B)

Startle responses are a form of deimatic defense—a sudden, conspicuous display designed to surprise a predator and give the insect a chance to escape. In mantids, when threatened they abruptly reveal their wings, often spreading them to show bright colors or eye-like patterns on the hindwings. That rapid flash interrupts the predator’s approach and buys the mantis time to flee, making this order’s anti-predator strategy a classic example of a startle display. The other groups listed don’t have this well-known wing-based startle display as a common defensive tactic, so mantids are the best fit for describing a startle response as part of their anti-predator behavior.