- #1
- 2,968
- 687
I don't think I would! Anyone know why they do?
Why Do Bugs Flip Over Before Dying?
- Thread starter marcusl
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the phenomenon of bugs flipping over before dying, exploring the reasons behind this behavior and the sequence of events related to their death. Participants consider various hypotheses and observations regarding the physical mechanics and circumstances surrounding this occurrence.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether bugs die before flipping over or if the act of flipping over occurs prior to death.
- One participant humorously compares the behavior of bugs to humans, suggesting a parallel in the physical response to death.
- A link is provided to an external source that may offer additional insights, though it is noted that the answer seems speculative.
- Another participant proposes that bugs are more likely to be found on their backs due to several factors, including falling off surfaces, being top-heavy, and the curling of their legs upon death. They argue that these factors contribute to the likelihood of finding dead bugs in that position.
- It is suggested that bugs may die as a result of falling onto their backs and being unable to right themselves, indicating a potential causal relationship.
- A humorous remark is made about other bugs potentially flipping over their deceased companions to perform CPR, adding a light-hearted tone to the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the sequence of events related to bugs flipping over and dying, with no consensus reached on the exact mechanics or reasons behind the behavior.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes speculative reasoning and lacks definitive conclusions, with various assumptions and factors influencing the participants' viewpoints.
- #2
neurocomp2003
- 1,359
- 4
Do they die before they flip over? and flip over results in it? or do they actually flip over before dying?
- #3
Moridin
- 694
- 3
Why do standing humans fall over after they die? 
- #4
Phobos
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,958
- 7
try this...
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_024.html
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_024.html
- #5
- 2,968
- 687
Thank you for taking my question seriously! [Although the answer seems to be speculation rather than fact... 
]
]- #6
DaveC426913
Gold Member
2025 Award
- 24,490
- 8,756
I think it hits pretty close to home though.
I think it's not that bugs flip over to die, I think it's that, when you find a dead bug, it is more likely to be on its back for several independent reasons, some of which are mentioned in the link.
- They fall off the wall, or off whatever.
- They are top-heavy - especially since their legs curl up under them when they die.
- It is possible for them to start on their feet and get flipped onto their backs after death, but impossible for them to start on their backs and get flipped over onto their feet.
- Many may die BECAUSE they fell on their backs and can't right themselves.
Ultimately I think, as a rigid object, they are much miore stable on their backs. The above are all randomizing factors that favour this position.
I think it's not that bugs flip over to die, I think it's that, when you find a dead bug, it is more likely to be on its back for several independent reasons, some of which are mentioned in the link.
- They fall off the wall, or off whatever.
- They are top-heavy - especially since their legs curl up under them when they die.
- It is possible for them to start on their feet and get flipped onto their backs after death, but impossible for them to start on their backs and get flipped over onto their feet.
- Many may die BECAUSE they fell on their backs and can't right themselves.
Ultimately I think, as a rigid object, they are much miore stable on their backs. The above are all randomizing factors that favour this position.
- #7
BillJx
neurocomp2003 said:
The other bugs turn them over to give them CPR.
Sorry for being flippant.
Similar threads
- · Replies 12 ·
- · Replies 9 ·
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 8 ·
- · Replies 18 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
Stargazing
Q: Meridian flip
- · Replies 6 ·
- · Replies 2 ·