Bitterworm

/ˈbɪtɚwɜrm/ noun

Definition

A type of worm larva, particularly one that tastes bitter and is generally avoided by predators and birds as food.

Etymology

Compound of 'bitter' and 'worm,' the name describes the larva's chemical defense strategy—tasting terrible to potential predators as a survival mechanism.

Kelly Says

Many insect larvae evolved to taste bitter by accumulating toxic compounds from the plants they eat, basically 'wearing' their food's poisons as chemical armor against being eaten—nature's version of poison-tipped weapons.

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